The Stables 3 



Cleanliness is another very important factor, for the 

 excrements of the animal body are not only injurious 

 themselves, but they afford a breeding -place for bac- 

 teria, and in the processes of decomposition give off 

 noxious gases. The common practice of stabling ani- 

 mals over manure -pits is not beneficial to the health 

 of animals, however convenient it may be. Modern 

 veterinary hygiene, both in theory and practice, fol- 

 lows human hygiene very closely. In cases of doubt 

 as regards hygienic or sanitary conditions, it is a good 

 plan to put yourself in the animal's place. Fig. 2, 

 while interesting as a picture, shows some of the con- 

 ditions to avoid. 



The temperature of stables and barns is an important 

 matter. Many modern stables are too warm; the old- 

 time ones are likely to be too cold. Too high tempera- 

 ture produces lassitude, reduces appetite and tends to 

 breed germs. Too low temperature prevents the animal 

 from making strong and continuous growth; the food 

 energy that would otherwise go to the building up of 

 the body is consumed in merely keeping warm. As 

 a rule, a temperature of 45 to 50 is best for most 

 animals in winter. 



FEEDING AND WATERING 



More animals are injured by overfeeding than by 

 underfeeding. It is mistaken kindness to feed ani- 

 mals merely because they will eat. Under ordinary 

 conditions, animals should be given only sufficient 

 food to keep them in fairly good flesh. Animals 



