CATTLE PRODUCTION 43 



keep the calves in similar quarters. The following points are important to 

 bear in mind : 



Do not overfeed ; have milk at proper temperature.; feed milk regularly and 

 from pails that are scrupulously clean; if possible, feed the calf its mother's 

 milk ; if necessary to feed other milk, choose a cow which has recently freshened 

 and continue regularly with her milk; make any changes in feed gradually; 



Dehorning the calf with caustic potash. A con- 

 venient method of securing the calf and doing 

 the work suggested in the picture. Read method 

 of dehorning calves. 



guard against feeds or materials that will produce indigestion like sour milk, 

 moldy, very coarse or woody feeds, and paint, blankets, sacks, etc., which calves 

 will sometimes eat ; keep calves clean, dry, and out of cold draughts of air. 



Dehorning Calves with Caustic Potash. For several years calves born 

 at the Wisconsin University Farm have been dehorned by the use of caustic 

 potash and it has been demonstrated that this method is successful when properly 

 applied. 



The caustic potash should be applied as soon as the "buttonlike" horns can be 

 felt, which is usually when the calf is three to ten days old. If postponed, the 

 operation will be unsatisfactory. To apply the potash, remove the hair from 

 about the horns close to the skin. Moisten the potash slightly and run it over 

 the skin which covers the. points of the horns until the skin is white. 



Do not rub the skin until blood comes, as this will cause unnecessary sore- 

 ness. One such treatment is usually sufficient to prevent the growth of the horns. 



The following precautions need to be taken: the caustic should be wrapped in 



