146 FEEDING FARM ANIMALS 



horn, and to produce heat and mechanical work by 

 combustion of the food in the body. 



In addition, breeding animals must have food 

 enough to provide for the growth of the fetal young. 

 This means blood and tissue for every part of the 

 offspring. Carbohydrates and fat cannot assist in 

 providing this material. It must come solely from 

 the protein of the food. Consequently, every preg- 

 nant animal should be given considerable protein 

 in her ration, both for her own use and for the devel- 

 oping progeny. 



Feeding the Dairy Cow When Carrying Calf. 

 After calving, and then for a period of several 

 months, the good dairy cow drops off in flesh, even 

 though liberally supplied with food. She should 

 never be fat as that condition is known in respect 

 to the beef cow. After she has caught her gait in 

 milk production, her weight is maintained for a con- 

 siderable period, and if the food supply is still lib- 

 eral, she will gain in weight and flesh. Ordinarily, 

 the rations of the dairy stable are satisfactory both 

 for milk production and for the support of the fetal 

 calf. 



Heavy concentrated grains may be injurious, 

 hence caution will not be out of place if taken at the 

 time the cow approaches parturition. During the 

 latter part of her lactation period concentrated feeds 

 like cottonseed meal or gluten meal should be les- 

 sened or discontinued altogether and food like wheat 

 bran or some of the laxative commercial feeds given 

 instead. Some grain will be necessary at this period 

 in order to maintain the milk flow, even though it 



