DAIRY CATTLE 311 



pound. A convenient feed box should be provided and some of 

 the grain put in the calf's mouth as soon as the milk is finished. 



A little feed in the box will soon attract the calf and it will 

 soon be eating regularly. Stale feed should not be left in the 

 box. If a convenient rack is jorovided, the calf will soon learn 

 to eat hay. The best to supi^ly is a fine grade of clover or alfalfa 

 as it furnishes the necessary muscle and bone building material. 



Calf stables. — Calves can be kept together in large pens or 

 in small single pens. In either case the stable should be light, 

 clean, warm and well ventilated. There are advantages in the 

 single pen system and it is generally preferred as the feeder can 

 observe the calf more closely. Winter grown calves can be 

 grown more cheaply to maturity than spring calves. 



The fall calf is usually sufficiently developed to do well on 

 pasture by the following spring, whereas the spring calf is not 

 old enough to subsist on pasture the first season. Many are 

 weaned from milk and turned out too soon. Such calves, coming 

 into the stable in poor condition in the fall, seldom do well the 

 first winter unless given extremely good care. 



Skim milk should be fed if possible until the calf is six or seven 

 months old. If a supply is available it can be used to advantage 

 longer. The cost of growth and gain is much less the first year 

 than later which emphasizes the urgent need for good feeding 

 and care during the early life of the animal. The breeder should 

 give the calves the best of feed and care as his success will be 

 determined by their growth and development. 



DISEASES OF THE COW 



Bx J. H. Hewitt, D.V.]\I. 



Bloating;. — Caused by spoiled food, clover, alfalfa. Animal 

 is bloated more on left side, may be in much .pain. Severe cases 

 should be treated by a veterinarian who may have to draw the 

 gas with a trocar. Mild cases may be treated by giving two 

 pounds of Epsom salts and one tablespoonful of ginger or one 

 ounce turpentine in oil. A smooth stick arranged like a bit on 

 Avliich the cow can chew will often start the gas. For sheep give 

 one-half pound salts. Dissolve salts in hot water. 



Off feed is indigestion caused by overfeeding, poor or spoiled 

 food, sudden change of foods. Clean out bowels with two pounds 

 of Epsom salts and one tablespoonful ginger for grown animal. 

 Also give one tablespoonful three times daily of the following : 



Sodium sulpliate, sodium bicarbonate, powdered nux vomicae, powdered gentian, 

 salt, four ounces each. 



