Feed and Management of Fattening Cattle. 387 



Where steers are grained on pasture, the feeder begins in the 

 spring by supplying about one peck of corn per head, increasing 

 the amount to fully one-third of a bushel daily by mid-summer 

 for grown steers. The corn is dealt out once a day in a feed box 

 in the lot. Pigs should follow to save the waste. Instead of 

 giving corn only, it is better, when possible, to substitute two or 

 three pounds of oil meal or bran for the same weight of corn. 

 The feed should always be supplied at the same hour. Where 

 grain is fed, not over half the usual area of pasture land is re- 

 quired. Pasture- fed steers eat about as much grain as if confined 

 to the feed lot. (555) 



592. Water. It goes without saying that the fattening steer 

 must be supplied with sufficient water to slake his thirst, for 

 otherwise he would grow restless and fail to make proper gain. 

 No effort should be made, however, to induce him to consume 

 large quantities of water, which is considered to have a somewhat 

 depleting effect on the body tissues. (73) Many good feeders 

 insist that there be water before the cattle at all times, and usu- 

 ally this is the more convenient arrangement. If water is supplied 

 but once a day, care should be taken that all animals have oppor- 

 tunity for a good fill. 



593. Salting. Animals fed large quantities of nutritious food, 

 such as fattening steers receive, show a strong desire for salt, and 

 this craving should be satisfied by a reasonable supply. The 

 excessive use of salt leads to a heavy consumption of water, 

 thereby increasing the flow of urine a result not desirable. 

 (72-3, 85) Kiihn 1 recommends one ounce of salt per day, for a 

 steer weighing 1,000 pounds, at the beginning of the fattening 

 period, one and one-third of an ounce at the middle, and one and 

 two-thirds of an ounce at the close. The form of salt to be sup- 

 plied to cattle, granular or rock, is a matter of convenience with 

 the stockman. 



594. What fattening the steer means. It is important to have 

 a clear knowledge of what the fattening process is. The grown 

 steer, with framework of bone overlaid with muscles and encased 



1 Emahr. d. Eindviehes, 9th ed., p. 325. 



