THE RURAL EFFICIENCY GUIDE STOCK 



Both the large and small intestines are similar to those of the horse, 

 but are larger and longer and less liable to become diseased. When the food 

 enters the intestines, it is acted upon by the bile secreted in the liver; the 

 nourishment is carried into the blood and the balance is passed out as manure. 



The gall bladder in the liver of the ox accumulates gall which is forced 

 into the intestines during the process of digestion. 



SKELETON OF THE COW 



Some knowledge of the skeleton is advisable to facilitate the study of diseases of 

 bones and the accidental injuries to which they are exposed. The skeleton of the adult 

 ox is made up of the following number of bones: 



Spinal column 45 



Head 28 



Chest 27 



Shoulder 2 1 on each side. 



Arm 2 1 on each side. 



Forearm 4 2 on each side. 



Forefoot 40 20 on each side. 



Pelvis 2 1 on each side. 



Thigh 2 1 on each side. 



Leg 6 3 on each side. 



Hind foot . 38 19 on each side. 



Total . ..196 



Urinary Organs. The bladder and urinary passage are much the same 

 as in the horse, but the kidneys of the ox are larger. 



Respiratory Organs. The respiratory organs of the ox are not as sus- 

 ceptible to disease as those of the horse although they are much the same in 

 construction. In the normal animal the heart beats from forty-eight to fifty- 

 six times in a minute. The pulse may be taken on the under side of the lower 

 jaw, taking the artery between the first and second fingers. The normal respir- 

 ation is from ten to twenty per minute and is easily counted by watching the 

 nostrils. The temperature in cattle is very important in ascertaining the 

 presence of disease and every cattle owner should possess a clinical thermome- 



