170 LIVE STOCK MANAGEMENT. 



In regard to floors that one should use in a barn, there is 

 considerable difference of opinion. A plank floor will last 

 from 3 to 5 years, or longer, providing it is kept dry or wet 

 continually. If allowed to become wet one season and dry 

 during the other, the life of a floor is usually very short. If 

 one is desirous of obtaining a permanent floor, cement is 

 undoubtedly the best. Some maintain that a cement floor 

 is too cold and that it is dangerous for pregnant cows to walk 

 on; this trouble, however, can largely if not altogether, be 

 overcome by bedding properly; something which should be 

 done by every stockman on any kind of a floor. 



For feeding cattle inexpensive buildings will suffice in 

 the majority of cases. Most of the meat in the west that is 

 sent to market is produced by out-of-door feeding; however, 

 it is the poorest sort of economy to feed too much grain to 

 the wind or elements. Sheltered feed yards are a necessity 

 if the largest profits are to be reaped. If one has a good 

 grove around his buildings so that the penetrating winds will 

 be checked, sheds will furnish comfortable enough quarters 

 for cattle on full feed. The food of support required is much 

 larger on a windy day for an unprotected animal than for one 

 that is sheltered from the blasts, just as increased fuel is 

 demanded for the stove with unchecked draft. Close 

 stabling such as tying up in a stable has been found im- 

 practicable in the west. Cattle will do better where they 

 have their freedom and reasonable shelter. If one is unable 

 to build permanent substantial sheds which will keep animals 

 comfortable, a simple and cheap shed or shelter can be 

 obtained by stacking hay, straw or fodder, forming an L- 

 shaped corner. Then by setting a few poles for a straw- 

 thatched roof, the cold rains, sleets, snows and winds of our 

 prairie states can be warded off. A man who furnishes his 

 feeding animals with thorough protection from the wind and 

 gives them tempered water to drink, needs not consult his 

 pocketbook for costly buildings. The fundamental truth in 

 feeding should always be borne in mind; self-preservation is 

 the first law of nature. There is no use of pampering, as this 

 only tends to enervate animals; nor is close housing advisa- 

 ble, as this has a tendency to weaken the system and bring 

 on disease. There is loss in each extreme; thus the stock- 

 man should strive to find the happy medium. 



