446 FEEDING FARM ANIMALS 



progeny. In addition to x providing nourishment, it tends 

 to cleanse the intestines, and thus to pave the way for 

 the natural processes of digestion. 



The importance of giving such milk to the young ani- 

 mal as its first meal cannot be over-estimated. In its ab- 

 sence, constipation is likely to follow, which will terminate 

 fatally, unless relieved. No substitute can be given that 

 will in every respect take the place of colostrum. Even 

 though it is known that the dam is tubercular, it would 

 be a mistake to withhold her milk from her young calf, 

 until the processes of digestion have been properly begun. 

 The laxative properties of the milk would seem to make 

 such feeding safe. 



But it sometimes happens that colostrum cannot be ob- 

 tained from the dam of the young animal, as in instances 

 when the dam dies while bringing forth her progeny. In 

 such instances, if colostrum can be obtained from some other 

 dam of the same species, it will usually effect the end 

 sought. This, however, is seldom possible, hence, it may be 

 necessary to administer some substances that will cleanse 

 the digestive tract before any food is given. Castor oil is 

 generally used for this purpose. The ordinary dose for a 

 colt or a calf is an ounce; for a lamb, a teaspoonful, and 

 for a young pig, about half a teaspoonful. Sometimes an 

 injection of warm water will effect the end sought. In 

 other instances, an injection should accompany the ad- 

 ministering of the purgative, as the latter, especially in 

 the case of foals, will not in all instances effect the end 

 sought without such aid. 



When accident occurs so that the dam's milk cannot 

 be given, the substitute on which nearly all domestic animals 

 must be reared is cow's milk. This differs materially in its 

 constituents from the milk of other domestic animals. Cow's 

 milk is much richer in casein and albumen, also in fat than 

 mare's milk, hence, when it is substituted for mare's milk, 

 it is customary to add one part water to two or three parts 

 of the milk, and also to add a teaspoonful of common sugar 



