CHAPTER XXII. . 



REARING STOCK CALVES THEIR TREATMENT. 



THE method of rearing calves depends much on the future 

 use to be made of them. On this subject, breeders and writers 

 hold different opinions, and each may be correct, according to 

 circumstances. 



The best time for calves to be dropped, which are intended for 

 rearing, is in the spring of the year. Nature has taught us that, 

 and all experience is in its favor. 



As observed in a previous chapter, the calf should, at its first 

 meal, and as soon after birth as inclined, suck its dam. This is 

 indispensable to its health, in enabling it to discharge the foetal 

 nutriment remaining in its stomach and bowels, and give it 

 strength for future action. Even when it is intended to bring it 

 up by hand, in feeding from the pail, three or four meals from 

 the udder are all the better, and it will as readily take the finger 

 for feeding then, as immediately after its first meal. "When the 

 calf is of no value, and milk only is the object, two or three 

 days are enough for it to live, until the milk be thoroughly fit 

 for use. If the cow's udder be diseased by inflammation, or 

 otherwise, it may be necessary to retain the calf a few days 

 longer, to draw the milk and soften it, for no draft upon the udder 

 is so natural and soothing as that of the calf. 



REARING BY HAND. 



The very first thing to be done with a calf, after he has drawn 

 his first few meals, is to put a rope, or strap around his neck, 

 and tie him to a fastening, with three or four feet play to his 



