CHAPTER VI. 



Of Gestation, Parturition, etc. 

 GESTATION. 



THE period of gestation in the cow is about nine 

 months, and she rarely produces more than one at a 

 time, although instances have occurred of two, and 

 even three being brought forth ; but the latter case 

 is exceedingly rare. The time at which the cow has 

 taken the bull should be carefully noted, that she may 

 be dried off in proper time before calving. She 

 should also be allowed as much rest as she will take 

 for some time previous to calving. Her food should 

 be of good quality, and rather nutritious than other- 

 wise. By pressing the closed hand on the left side of 

 the belly in an early stage of pregnancy, the calf can 

 be felt. 



It may be well for the information of those who 

 only keep one or two milch cows, to know that by 

 proper attention to their food, the animals may be 

 continued in milk, without detriment to the cow or 

 her calf, till within two months of the time of calving. 



In cold and severe weather, in the winter, when 

 cows are in calf, they must be taken into houses 

 during the night, and even in day-time when stormy. 

 This is more especially to be attended to for a couple 

 of weeks before calving, as, should the cow drop the 

 calf in a cold, wet field, there is a possibility that both 



