230 PRINCIPLES OF FARM PRACTICE 



that are said to be equal to the buffalo robes so common a 

 half century ago. 



The Galloway is a better milk producer than some of the 

 other breeds but not equal to the Shorthorn. 



Development of the herd. Cows conforming to the beef 

 type and a bull of the breed desired are necessary for the 

 foundation herd. By employing the principles of grading 

 discussed in Chapter XX, a herd of good beef cattle may be 

 gradually developed. 



Feed lots and buildings. Beef cattle need little protection 

 from cold, but require dry and comfortable quarters in which 

 to lie. Muddy or frozen ground compels the- animals to 

 stand, thereby enforcing an expenditure of some of the energy 

 derived from feed that might otherwise produce flesh. A 

 feed lot with a southern exposure, provided with a shelter 

 from rains and winds, meets the ordinary requirements. A 

 covered feed lot not only gives good protection to cattle but 

 has the added advantage of preserving the fertilizing value of 

 manure. 



Feeding and management. In applying the principles of 

 feeding already considered to raising beef cattle, the question 

 of economy is of especial importance. Economy in feeding 

 can usually be best attained by the use of pasture and leg- 

 uminous forage, in summer, and roughage with some grain 

 and leguminous hay, in winter. But in the final or finishing 

 period a liberal amount of grain balanced with leguminous 

 hay must be used. If the finishing period begins in the spring 

 when there is good pasture, the grain ration can be much 

 reduced, and the cost of finishing thereby diminished. 



Aside from supplying feed or pasture, water and salt, it 

 requires perhaps less attention to raise beef cattle than other 

 farm animals. 



