116 EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER 



ON THE 



MANAGEMENT OF YOUNG CALVES, 



AND THE 



TREATIIENT OF COWS AFTER DELIVERY. 



Care should be taken that the cow, after the extrac- 

 tion of the calf, should have a suitable place to lie 

 down in ; and one that will also easily enable her to 

 lick her calf, which not only the better excites her ma- 

 ternal feelings, but the friction of her tongue puts the 

 young animal in motion, and enables it to rise much 

 sooner than it otherwise would. If she should shew 

 any aversion to this action, which she should, and 

 generally does do, very shortly after calving, it will be 

 necessary to sprinkle on the calf a little salt, rubbed 

 up with crumb of bread, or bran. 



It is a prejudice very generally entertained, that the 

 first milk is injurious to the calf, on account of its 

 supposed bad quality. This is acting contrary to na- 

 ture, which has provided at first serous and yellowish 

 milk, termed beestings, of a laxative or opening 

 quality, in order to carry off from the stomach and 

 bowels of the calf an injurious dark, viscid matter, 

 termed meconium^ which has collected in them while 

 in the womb. It is therefore essential that the calf 

 have instant and free access to the cow. If the calf 

 does not readily take the teat, put it into its mouth ; 

 but do this gently and with great care. 



If, however, the first milk of the cow should not pro- 



