CHAPTER VII 



HOW TO RAISE A DAIRY CALF ON SKIM MILK 



THE raising of a first-class calf begins by giving 

 attention to the dam before the birth of the young. 

 The best calves are usually obtained from those 

 cows which are dry for at least six weeks or a 

 month before calving ; but if it is found impossible 

 to dry the cow as is common in very highly bred 

 continuous milkers she should be milked right 

 through until she freshens again. This is very 

 seldom necessary, however, as "drying-off" the 

 cow should be commenced at least two months 

 before she is due to calve. Dry cows on good 

 veld with plenty of shade and water could ask for 

 no better quarters, They need very little attention 

 except that they must not be annoyed by other 

 animals. They should be kept in good condition 

 but not too fat. Ensilage, mangolds, turnips, or 

 swedes are very beneficial for cows at this time. 

 Keep the bowels loose and the animal in good 

 condition and in a healthy state. This has an im- 

 portant bearing on the health and condition of the 

 calf before and after birth, for should the cow be sick 



