MAINTENANCE OF FARM ANIMALS 75 



vegetables, succulent feeds are relishes for the animals of the farm, 

 inducing them to consume more feed and convert it into useful products. 

 It is reasonable to hold that such palatable feeds stimulate digestion (56), 

 and it is well known that their beneficial laxative action aids greatly 

 in keeping the digestive tract in good condition. The dairy cow gives 

 her maximum returns when she is supplied with succulence. Such 

 feeds tend toward rapid, sturdy growth with the young of all farm 

 animals. Steers and sheep make rapid and economical gains on pasture, 

 and grass-fed animals are in the best possible condition to make rapid 

 gains when placed in the feed lot. Among the most important con- 

 tributions of the experiment stations are their demonstrations of the 

 economy of feeding silage to dairy cattle, beef cattle, and sheep and 

 of the possibilities of cheapening the cost of producing pork thru the 

 utilization of pasture. The merits of the various forms of succulence 

 for the different farm animals are discussed in detail in later chapters 

 of the book. 



110. Light. Sunlight is a most effective germicide. To prevent the 

 contraction or spread of disease, it is therefore important that the stables 

 of farm animals be well lighted, with the possible exception mentioned 

 in the following. For fattening animals the quarters may be darkened 

 somewhat, as this may tend to keep them more quiet and thus favor 

 fattening. 



It has recently been discovered that light seems to aid in preventing 

 rickets, and it may possibly have other beneficial effects, yet unknown, on 

 the health of animals. 



111. Exercise. For the maintenance of health exercise is essential. 

 The only exceptions to this rule are fattening animals, soon to be mar- 

 keted, which make more rapid gains if not allowed to move about too 

 freely. Abundant exercise is of special importance with breeding animals. 

 The exercise requirements of the various farm animals are discussed 

 in the respective chapters of Part III. 



112. Quiet and regularity. Farm animals are creatures of habit, and 

 once accustomed to a routine of living show unrest at any change. The 

 feed stable or feed lot should be free from disturbance, and the admin- 

 istration of feed and water should be uniform in time and manner. 

 Animals soon learn when these are to occur, and as feeding time ap- 

 proaches the secretions begin pouring from the various digestive glands 

 in anticipation of the coming meal. (55) The system of feeding and 

 watering and the character of the rations should be changed gradually 

 and only for good cause. In feeding operations a changing period is 

 often a losing period. 



