CARE OF FARM ANIMAL8 323 



should be sorted out and each kind fed in its own group. 

 Animals thus separated, according to their several needs, 

 will get the best individual care, will be fed most nearly 

 right, and will develop more satisfactorily than would be 

 the case otherwise. 



The care of the feet of animals is often neglected. One 

 of the most common defects is seen in too great a length of 

 hoof. When the hoof grows too long, the toe becomes ele- 

 vated and the heel depressed, giving a bad position. This 

 does not occur so often with horses, as the blacksmith looks 

 after the foot of this animal, but the feet of stabled cattle 

 that are not exercised, frequently become very long. So 

 also do the hoofs of sheep that are not running on fields with 

 plenty of gravel or grit. The hoofs of cattle may be trimmed 

 back with the aid of a good chisel and a farrier's rasp and 

 knife. The thin hoofs of the sheep may be easily trimmed 

 with a sharp pocket knife. Care should be taken not to 

 cut into the tender part, or "quick." The floor of the hoof 

 should be level and the foot carried in a natural position. 

 The feet of colts and young animals should be watched and 

 trimmed as seems necessary. 



SUPPOSING YOURSELF IN CHARGE OF SOME LIVE STOCK 



1. Why should your personal attention be necessary? 



2. How frequently would you feed and water? 



3. What arguments would you have in behalf of grooming? 



4. What would be necessary to secure a sanitary barn? 



5. Under what conditions would you furnish shelter, and why? 



6. Describe the ideal condition of ventilation. 



7. What size of stalls would you provide? 



8. How much feed would the horses and cattle require per head 

 ciaCy? 



9. In what way would you group your animals and why? 

 10. Describe the development and care of the feet. 



