2()2 ManagcmeiiL of Dairij Cattle. 



It appeared an object of importance, and one -which called for 

 my particular attention, to afford an ample supply of the elements 

 of food suited to the maintenance and likewise to the produce of 

 the animal, and that, if I omitted to effect tliis, the result would 

 be imperfect and unsatisfactory. By the use of ordinary farm 

 produce only, I could not hope to accomplish my purpose. Tur- 

 nips are objectionable on account of their flavour ; and I seek to 

 avoid them as food for dairy ])urposes. I use cabbao;es, kohl 

 rabi, and mangold wurzel, yet only in moderate quantities. Of 

 meadow hay it would require, beyond the amount necessary for 

 the maintenance of the cow, an addition of fully 20 lbs. for 

 the supply of casein in a full yield of milk (16 quarts) ; 40 lbs. for 

 the supply of oil for the butter; whilst 9 lbs, seem adequate for 

 that of the phosphoric acid. You cannot, then, induce a cow 

 to consume the quantity of hay requisite for her maintenance, 

 and for a full yield of milk of the quality instanced. Though 

 it is a subject of controversy whether butter is wholly derived 

 from vegetable oil, yet the peculiar adaptation of this oil to the 

 purpose will, I think, be admitted. 1 had, therefore, to seek 

 assistance froin what are usually termed artificial feeding sub- 

 stances, and to select such as are rich in albumen, oil, and phos- 

 phoric acid ; and I was bound also to pay regard to their com- 

 parative cost, witli a view to profit, which, Avhen farming is 

 followed as a business, is a necessary, and in any circumstances 

 an agreeable accompaniment. 



I think it ivill he found that substances peculiarly rich in nitro- 

 genous or other elements have a higher value for special than for 

 general purposes ; and that the employment of materials characterized 

 by peculiar properties for the attainment of special objects lias not 

 yet gained the attention to wliich it is entitled. 



1 have omitted all reference to the heat-supplying elements — • 

 starch, sugar, &c. As the materials (ommonly used as food for 

 cattle contain sufficient of these to effect this object, under exposure 

 to some degree of cold, I have a right to calculate on a less con- 

 sumption of them as fuel, and consequently a greater surplus for 

 deposit as sugar, and probably also as iat, in consequence of 

 my stalls being kept during winter at a temperature of nearly 

 60 degrees. 



I now proceed to describe the means I am using to carry out 

 the purposes which I have sought to explain. My food for milcli 

 cows, alter having undergone various modifications, has for two 

 seasons consisted of rape-cake 5 lbs., and bran 2 lbs. for each 

 cow, mixed with a sufficient quantity of bean-straw, oat-straw, 

 and shells of oats, in equal proportions, to supply them three 

 times a day with as much as they will eat. The whole of 

 the materials are moistened and blended together, and after 



