308 THE HANDBOOK FOE PKACTICAL FARMERS 



Management of the dairy cow. — The average dairy cow is 

 fully mature, as far as growth is concerned, when she is five 

 years old. The heaviest production usually occurs during the 

 fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth years. 



The length of gestation period of the cow is 283 days. This 

 makes it possible for her to produce a calf every year and pro- 

 duce milk from nine to eleven months each year. Every dairy 

 cow should have a rest of from four to ten weeks every year. 

 The age at which first calf is born will depend somewhat on the 

 breed, as indicated in the chapter on breeds. If the heifer is 

 well grown she can be rebred safely in ten to twelve weeks after 

 calving, which will bring her second calf about one year later 

 than the first. This plan can well be followed allowing the cow 

 to calve every twelve months or thereabout. A cow should be 

 well fed, when dry, to insure proper nourishment for her unborn 

 calf and to have her in good condition at calving time. 



The cow that calves in good condition has an abundance of 

 reserve for heavy production during her lactation. The cow 

 that calves thin in flesh, starts off at a serious disadvantage. 

 Cows should have regular exercise when dry to maintain their 

 strength and vigor. Laxative feed, such as silage and clover 

 hay, are good feeds. A little linseed meal in the grain ration is 

 desirable. Care should be taken to avoid constipation at calving 

 time. If constipation does occur right at the last, the best treat- 

 ment is to dissolve one pound of Epsom salts in a quart of warm 

 water and give as a drench. This will usually rectify the trouble 

 and help to reduce any feverish condition of the udder. 



The cow should have a good, clean, comfortable stall in which 

 to calve. If all goes well the calf will be delivered within an 

 hour or two from time the first labor pains appear. If the calf 

 does not come within a reasonable time, an examination should 

 be made by some one who understands such work and if neces- 

 sary assistance given. The normal presentation of the calf is 

 front feet first with the head extended along the front side of 

 the legs. If the presentation is not normal the services of some 

 one skilled in handling such cases should be secured at once. 



A normal calf will be on its feet within an hour or two after 

 birth and is usually anxious to suck. The good herdsman will 

 be on hand to assist the calf in getting the first milk which is 

 quite essential to clear and regulate the bowels. 



Experience has taught us that much trouble regarding milk 

 fever can be avoided by not milking the cow out during the first 

 twenty-four to thirty-six hours after calving. The calf can 



