62 DISEASES OF CATTLE, SHEEP, GOATS, ETC. 



milk the cow must have an abundance of fresh air and light, as much 

 comfort as possible, and a reasonable amount of exercise, not alone 

 for humane reasons, but that she may produce the most that she as an 

 individual is capable of on the food supplied, as this will mean more 

 dollars and cents in the owner's pocket. 



It is a well known fact that cows cannot endure as much expos- 

 ure as steers and this has given rise to the too common practice of 

 keeping dairy cows shut up in a tightly closed stable, cramped on a 

 platform, and crowded among other cows with their heads fast in 

 rigid stanchions for nearly twenty-four hours in the day for six or 

 eight months in the year, usually with no system of ventilation and 

 with very little light. 



The existing state of affairs led to an investigation concerning 

 the best method of keeping dairy cows. The question is: Are we 

 caring for our cows in the best manner possible and if not, how can 

 present methods be improved? 



Keeping cows properly in a stable, involves much labor as each 

 cow must be handled and treated individually. Since some dairy- 

 men who were known to be allowing their cows the freedom of a 

 closed shed or covered barnyard, using the stable for milking only, 

 were so well pleased with the system, an effort has been made to get 

 the views of as many as possible who have had expedience in keeping 

 cows in this manner. 



To the question, What are the chief advantages of keeping dairy 

 cows in this way over ordinary stabling? answers are given in full 

 below. 



1. It saves labor in cleaning stables and in feeding roughage. 

 Cows are kept more comfortable. As more bedding is required a 

 greater amount of manure is made which is preserved in better 

 shape. 



2. Cheaper, as it saves labor, is cleaner, and the cows are more 

 healthy. 



3. Saves labor in handling manure, in bedding stock, and in 

 feeding roughage. The stock has access to water at all times and is 

 kept much more comfortable. 



4. A larger amount of manure is made and preserved in better 

 condition. By containing much straw all liquid manure is absorbed 

 and when applied to the land, humus is added to very great advan- 

 tage. The system is good only where straw is abundant that can be 

 so utilized. If the straw is limited in amount the system would be 

 a filthy one and if the herdsman is negligent or careless the cows will 

 become more or less filthy. With a careful man and reasonable at- 

 tention the system works exceedingly well. We are so well pleased 

 with it that we have no thought of making a change. 



5. This method saves a great deal of labor as it is more con- 

 venient and there is little stable cleaning to be done. The cows are 

 free, comfortable, and more healthy, giving the owner greater profit. 



6. Saves labor in keeping stable clean. 



7. The greatest advantage is the saving of labor. One man can 

 handle forty cows except milking. Cows are more healthy and con- 



