62 MASS. EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETIN 164. 



and not interfere with the normal growth of the calf. It is doubtful, 

 however, if one will be able to find any article or combination of articles 

 that will completely take the place of milk during the first two or three 

 months of the calf's life. In case of the writer's own observations with 

 different calf meals he did not thinlc it advisable to attempt to rear the 

 calves during the first four months without the use daily of 3 to 5 quarts 

 of skim milk. A too early attempt to accustom the calf to an exclusive 

 diet of calf meal is likely to produce digestive disturbances that may 

 affect the health of the animal in after life. Young calves differ in their 

 ability to take and utilize foods other than milk, and the careful observa- 

 tion and judgment of the feeder are at all times necessary. Holstein and 

 Ayrsliire calves are, as a rule, better able to utilize prepared foods than 

 are the Jersey and Guernsey, although we have had no serious trouble 

 in rearing calves of the latter breeds with a minimum of milk. 



Our experiments have shown that we have found some proprietary 

 meals, as Schumacher's and Bibby's, satisfactory as partial milk sub- 

 stitutes. Of our own preparations, Nos. V. and VI. have given very 

 good results. Other calf meals on the market not tested by us may also 

 be equally satisfactory. The special characteristics of a satisfactory calf 

 meal will be discussed under the heading of "Composition of Calf Meals." 



It is admitted that it is not very convenient for the dairyman rearing 

 a few calves each year to attempt to prepare his own calf meals, especially 

 if it is necessary to send out of town for some of the ingredients. In such 

 cases it is more desirable to purchase the prepared article, providing one 

 is found that will prove satisfactory. Suitable calf meals ought not to 

 exceed 3 cents a pound in price. 



How TO FEED THE YoUNG CaLF. 



Without recommending any preparation in particular, the writer takes 

 this opportunity to outline the method for feeding the young calf in 

 case it is desired to get along with as little milk as possible. 



1. Allow the calf to remain with the dam as a rule for two or three days. 

 In case of Jersey or Guernsey calves it may be necessary to shorten the 

 time because of the laxative effect of such milk. 



2. The calf should be kept in a clean pen and well bedded. Damp, dirty 

 quarters are to be avoided. 



3. The pail out of which the calf is fed, as well as all utensils, must be 

 kept clean. This is vital. 



4. At the end of the second or third day begin to teach the calf to drink 

 warm whole milk. That with a low fat percentage (4 or less) is preferable 

 to a richer article. From 4 to 6 quarts daily is sufficient for the first two 

 weeks, the amount depending upon the vigor and size of the calf. It is 

 better to feed three times daily during this time, but not necessary. 



5. After the first two weeks warm skim milk can gradually be substi- 

 tuted for the whole milk, and in case of vigorous calves, within a week or 

 ten days thereafter the substitution may be completed. 



