200 ELEMENTS OF FARM PRACTICE 



ing and burial of the affected animals and the maintenance 

 of the most perfect sanitary conditions. The ordinary disease 

 which is most prevalent among cattle is tuberculosis. This is a 

 germ disease and is likely to originate in poorly ventilated 

 and unclean buildings. Hence the necessity for Ught, ven- 

 tilation and cleanliness. To guard against this disease it is 

 best to kill all affected animals and to have each newly 

 purchased animal tested before it is brought on the farm. 

 There is danger in keeping one diseased animal as it may 

 infect others through feeding troughs and grass. 



Exercise. — All animals need some exercise, but milch 

 cows should not be left outside to shiver in the cold. One 

 practical dairyman says, ''Leave the cows out no longer 

 than you care to stand out in the same place with no 

 overcoat on and nothing to do." If one follows this rule, 

 cows will be left out but a short time in the cold or wet 

 weather. Keep the cows in the barn most of the time 

 during the winter, and give them a good bed and plenty to 

 eat and drink. 



Flies. — It is important, to protect cattle as much as 

 possible from flies. Relief is afforded by darkening the stable 

 with curtains dropped over the windows. These may be 

 made from burlap or old sacks. An effective spray, made 

 of three parts of fish oil to one part of kerosene, may be 

 applied as needed. 



Bedding. — Plenty of good bedding is not only essential 

 for the comfort of cattle, but it pays for itself in value as 

 fertilizer. Whatever the bedding used may be, it should 

 be kept under cover so that it is dry and sweet. In this 

 condition it will keep the barn sweeter and freer from dust 

 and will also absorb more liquid. 

 Questions: 



1. Cattle naturally seek a shady place in hot weather. Why? 



2. Why must cattle have plenty of clean water to do well? 



3. Why do fattening steers not require so warm shelter as milch 

 cows? 



4. . In what ways can we prevent disease in cattle? 



5. What are the advantages of good bedding? 

 Arithmetic: 



1. If six head of cattle worth $50 each were condemned and half 

 ine value paid by the state, what would be the farmer's loss? 



