860 A HISTORY OP SHORT-HORN CATTLE. 



weather, but it is almost unanimously agreed 

 that "housing" during the day is positively in- 

 jurious, except in the case of young calves or 

 animals very thin in flesh. Exercise and fresh 

 air are absolutely necessary for the health of 

 breeding stock. Close confinement in poorly- 

 ventilated stables is even worse than exposure 

 to the elements. Some breeders permit their 

 stock bulls to run with the herd, but this is not 

 the usual practice. The better plan is to pro- 

 vide a good box for the bull, opening into as 

 large a paddock as can be spared for this pur- 

 pose. A grassy lot, several acres in area, with 

 shade and water trough, ought to be arranged 

 for the bull's comfort in connection with his 

 stall. 



Over considerable areas in the Central West 

 cattle can find the bulk of their feed in blue- 

 grass pastures up to Jan. 1, but the young 

 stock will require more or less grain in order 

 to insure their proper development. Short- 

 horn heifers that have been carried to matur- 

 ity upon a judicious ration will not require 

 much grain to maintain their condition as 

 cows, except perhaps in the case of those milk- 

 ing heavily. The young bulls after weaning 

 must be kept by themselves and receive spe- 

 cial care. It is more difficult to condition 

 a young bull than a heifer, and a lib- 

 eral ration of grain is required for the first 



