CATTLE. 



97 



introduced, and the position changed to the natural one, if possible. Assistance may be 

 given when the natural throes are repeated, but cruel violence should be avoided. When 

 the nostril of the calf has protruded, and the position is found to be unnatural, the head 

 cannot be pushed back without destroying the life of the calf. 



After calving, the cow should be given as soon as possible, a warm bran-mash. If she 

 has not already been relieved of the after-birth, this will have a tendency to produce its easy 

 separation. If there seems to be difficulty in this respect, a close of four ounces of salts 

 mixed with two ounces of ginger may be given after about eight hours. Sometimes a pint 

 of flax-seed boiled and given in thin gruel will loosen a retained placenta. A pint of oil 

 meal in thin gruel given every day for a week before calving will usually prevent any 

 difficulty of this kind. 



If, however, every means employed prove ineffectual in its removal after twenty-four 

 hours have elapsed, there will be a necessity of securing its separation, and removal by other 



FARM PETS. 



means. The right hand and arm should be greased with fresh lard, and carefully introduced 

 into the womb. With the thumb and fingers the various connections of the membrane may 

 be separated, and it can be removed from the body. Considerable time should be allowed for 

 doing this, and all violence avoided. Many valuable cows have been lost through the brutal 

 treatment of ignorant persons at such times. Avoid giving very cold water for several days 

 to a cow after calving. She will be quite thirsty, and should have water given her 

 frequently in moderate quantities, but it should be warmed just enough to take off the chill. 

 Milk fever is sometimes caused by a neglect of this precaution. She should also be protected 

 from cold and storms. For a week after calving it will be well to feed a cow moderately, 

 giving at the same time some laxative food, such as flax-seed gruel and warm bran mash. 



Care of Calyes. The best time for calves to be dropped is in the spring. This 

 seems to be Nature s time for the commencement of the young life of most animals, and no 

 better one could be chosen. The calf will generally be able to stand immediately after 

 birth, and to suckle the dam without any assistance; &quot;but sometimes, owing to weakness, it 



