RATIONS FOR GROWING CATTLE 187 



At 6 to 8 weeks, or even before, the best place for calves is on a good 

 pasture. It goes without saying that there should be an ample supply of 

 grass. 



To enable the feeder to regulate the food supply in a rational and 

 profitable manner, young growing animals should be weighed from time 

 to time. Whether or not additional concentrates should be given when 

 animals are on pasture depends upon conditions. If the pasture is good 

 and the food supply abundant, the addition of concentrates is not only 

 unnecesary but adds to the cost of keep without giving adequate returns. 

 Not only this, but it actually spoils the disposition of animals to such as 

 extent that they no longer profitably utilize the farm grown crops, espe- 

 cially the forages, and demand continued rations of expensive concen- 

 trates. 



Between the fourth and sixth months the beet and dry roughage ra- 

 tions may be increased, and the concentrates increased to 3 or 4 pounds 

 for heifers and 4 to 8 pounds for bulls. In certain districts calves that 

 are fed for market are given as high as 10 to 12 pounds of concentrates 

 per day. 



After the first year calves may be fed in the same manner as mature 

 animals. The future purpose of the animal should, however, never be 

 left out of mind. While future dairy and breeding stock should be well 

 nourished, it should not be fattened. Animals intended for slaughter 

 should receive heavier rations. General hints for feeding this class of 

 animals are furnished by Kellner's tables on page 165. 



In view of the delicate and sensitive structure of the organs of young 

 animals special importance should be attached to the question of pro- 

 viding faultless feeding stufifs. With reference to mineral nutrients, see 

 page 154, etc. The following rations are practical in themselves and will 

 serve as guides for the construction of others. 



Rations for Growing Cattle, Dairy Breeds (Daily Rations per Head) 



A. Age, 2 to 3 Months. Average Live Weight, 140 Pounds 



1. 2. 3. 



Skim milk 8.0 lbs. Pea meal 1.0 lb. Coarsely ground 



Meadow hay I. . .2.0 lbs. Meadow hav I 2.5 lbs. barley 1.5 lbs. 



Oats 1.0 lb. Rice feed meal.... 0.5 lb. Meadow hay I. .. .2.0 lbs. 



Peanut oil 0.161b. Flaxseed 0.5 lb. Pea meal 1.01b. 



Flaxseed 0.6 lb. 



B. Age, 3 to 6 Months. Average Live Weight, 280 Pounds 



1. 2. 3. 



Meadow hay I.. . .4.0 lbs. Meadow hay I 4.0 lbs. Meadow hav I . . .4.0 lbs 



Oats 2.0 lbs. Oats 2.0 lbs. Beets ' 6.0 lbs 



Rye bran 1.01b. Malt sprouts 1.01b. Rice feed meal. . .2.0 lbs 



Flaxseed 1.61b. Linseed cake 1.4 lbs. Palmseed cake .. .2.0 lbs. 



