MEAT PRODUCTION 391 



The necessity for selling animals promptly as soon a.; 

 finished should certainly be given due regard. It wouLl 

 not seem justifiable to hold them longer in any instance, 

 except to avoid marketing in a glut or when advance in price 

 within a short time is practically assured. By exercising 

 proper forethought, they will be made ready so that they 

 may reach the market when prices for such meat are usu- 

 ally relatively good. 



Shipping finished animals. Since live stock have, in 

 very many instances, to be shipped long distances to the 

 market, both as stockers and in the finished form, and 

 since the condition in which they reach the same materially 

 influences the sale, it is a matter of much importance to the 

 shipper that they reach the place of consignment under con- 

 ditions that will be attended with a minimum of shrinkage 

 and loss of bloom. To secure these results requires: (i) 

 That they shall be fed properly in preparing them for ship- 

 ment and when in transit; (2) that the transit shall be as 

 rapid as possible and (3) that they shall be promptly un- 

 loaded and cared for when they reach the place of consign- 

 ment. 



Before shipping finished cattle and sheep, the usual 

 grain allowance should be reduced gradually and materially, 

 for two to three days before shipping, and in transit may 

 cease altogether. Hay of good quality should be supplied 

 and in quantity as much as they will consume. If they are 

 on pasture and also receiving grain, they should be yarded 

 a day or two before shipping, and fed hay, the grain al- 

 lowance also being reduced. Stockers may be taken from 

 well matured pastures and shipped at once. The continued 

 full feeding of grain before shipping finished animals, in 

 connection with the more than usual amount of exercise, 

 and the excitement resulting from changed conditions, is 

 much liable to result in scouring. This means much shrink- 

 age in weight and a soiled appearance. Bedding should be 

 plentifully supplied before loading. Unless driven far before 

 loading, in a warm atmosphere, animals will not drink to 

 excess when fed as indicated. 



