230 HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF CATTLE. 



Shorthorns. 



"CENTRE GROVE FARM, DURANT, IOWA, July 28, iSSS. 

 * * * * 



"We are breeding Shorthorns for both milk and beef, so our methods may differ 

 from those who bred exclusively for beef or exclusively for milk. Every breed has its 

 office, and we believe the milking Shorthorn must fill a large demand made by the 

 general farmer, who wants a good milch cow that will raise a good, easy-keeping, early 

 maturing steer. To fill this now rapidly increasing demand, we are breeding and feeding 

 the noble 'Red, White and Roan,' and the following are our methods : 



" We keep our bulls in a separate pasture by themselves, where, if possible, no cows 

 will be near them. Mature bulls will keep in good order on grass alone ; growing bulls 

 get a light ration of oats and bran twice a day. The breeding bulls get lots of exercise, 

 even in winter, when they are turned out in tight yards on fine days. Ours are now tied 

 in stalls at night, but we think running loose in box stalls would be preferable. 



" Heifers, cows and calves are run in separate pastures as much as'possible. Pas- 

 tures are of mixed grasses, blue grass predominating. Water and plenty of shade com- 

 plete the outfit, and for eight months of the year the cow is content. Green fodder, 

 however, is sometimes given during August ; this is relished as a change. Pumpkins are 

 also thrown to them during this dry time. Rock salt in each pasture affords them a sure 

 supply of that necessity. 



"Cows are mated at the first 'heat' after the calf is dropped, unless in thin flesh, 

 when more time is given. The first heat is surest to 'hold'. Heifers are bred at from 

 18 to 20 months, according to size and flesh. If getting too fat, we breed them 

 younger, as excessive fat in a heifer is liable to produce barrenness. We try to 

 prevent calves coming in July, August, January and February. 



" Pregnant cows are handled much the same as the other cows. The calf should be 

 weaned when its dam is five or six months pregnant, and the cow should be milked awhile 

 and then dried off. The remaining three months of rest should enable the cow to put on 

 flesh, and gain strength for the coming calf. If necessary, such cows are fed extra to 

 produce this condition. We expect the calf on or about the 28oth day, but watch closely 

 from the 27oth day. If on grass, keeping confined on light, loose food (bran and oil- 

 meal, &c.,) for a week or more before and after calving, to prevent milk-fever, and to 

 be present at parturition and save the calf. Great care is exercised to prevent pregnant 

 cows from being chased by dogs, gored by other cattle, wading through deep mud, or 

 eating mouldy or ergotized fodder. Sometimes feed a little flaxseed about the 2yoth day, 

 to help her 'clean' well. 



"When a cow begins to show signs of calving, the attendant stays near until all is 

 safe, usually in the box stall with her. Some say that the cow prefers to be alone, but I 

 think our cows like to have me there ; they know I am there to help them. * * 

 As soon as the calf is delivered, I leave the cow and calf alone for a time, then feed her 

 bran mashes (warm) and give tepid water. The cow is then milked three times a day 

 for a few days, and twice a day for a few weeks (or months) till the calf can take all and 

 not physic him. 



"If the calf sucks and his bowels move once during the first six hours, he is fairly 

 started on the road to market. We allow him to stay in a stall with his dam for a few 

 days, and after that they are together only at night. During the daytime he plays %vith 

 his mates, and early learns to eat oats, which are placed within his reach. This feeding 

 is continued during the first year, and sometimes the second winter also. Calves run in a 

 separate lot during the day, and after the cows have been partly milked the calves are 

 put with them. 



" At a very early age (two to four months'), the bull calves are taken from among the 

 heifers and placed in another lot. They are all weaned at from six to twelve months, ac- 



