388 



Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 July, 1916. 



When erossbred sires are used, undesirable traits are very frequent, 

 and the progeny is not uniform in quaUty. Hence, the returns of many 

 of our milking herds are disappointingly low. Breeding for the dairy 

 is a comprehensive study, and needs all the forethought that an intelli- 

 gent farmer can apply to it. 



Before dealing with the treatment of the young calf, we will presume 

 that a desirable sire of sound constitution has been used, and that he is 

 not introducing the germs of contagious abortion into the herd. The 

 first principle to be observed is : that the progeny is first fed through 

 the mother, and that any shortage of feeding at the period of pregnancy 

 affects the unborn calf. Any sudden change of feed to the cow at this 

 stage is also unwise. 



Examine all young calves for deformities, and remove rudimentary 

 teats from the heifers, dehorn all cross-bred stock — this should be done 

 during the first week by clipping the hair from the horn bud, and apply- 

 ing caustic potash. In the case of male calves, see that their testicles are 

 well developed. Never use a bull with one testicle, as such a fault is 

 generally hereditary. 



50 40 50 20 



70 80 90 3 8 



System of Number Ear-marking. 



The young calf needs some identifying brand at an early date, 

 in case of confusion as to dam, and the accompanying system of ear- 

 marking is very effective. 



The calf should be taken from its mother within twenty-four hours 

 after birth, and allowed to remain another twelve hours before any 

 attempt at feeding is made — the calf is then hungry, and will more 

 readily adapt itself to the will of the feeder. Always feed the mother's 

 milk for a few days — it contains medicinal properties of benefit to the 

 young animal. The change from whole to skim milk should be gradual 

 — any sudden change from one food to another causes stomach trouble. 



Generally, if the correct methods are adopted, the calf will feed 

 itself within a fortnight. Any one attempting to feed calves must work 

 on a system, and be possessed of patience, to achieve success. A. calf 

 cannot be forced to drink. Women make better calf feeders than men ; 

 they seem to have more patience, and use more kindly treatment. Tn 

 open-trough feeding, unnecessary violence is often vented on the calves 

 in preventing the quickest drinker from obtaining too great a quantity, 

 and it is no uncommon sight to see a heavy stick used for the purpose, 

 sometimes inflicting permanent injuries. A piece of ordinary rubber 

 hose pipe is just as effective, and does no harm. The bail system of 



