FEEDING CALVES 33 



feed box. Grain should be put in the latter twice daily but never 

 in larger amounts than will be cleaned up. We prefer to give the 

 calf only as much grain as he will clean up within an hour or two 

 after feeding. Grain remaining in the feed box after it is wet with 

 saliva loses its freshness rapidly, particularly in hot weather, and 

 attracts flies. At any rate, any grain not eaten should be removed 

 before fresh is added. The feed box should be cleaned out fre- 

 quently, using an iron which will get into the corners. A simpler 

 grain mixture than the one mentioned above might be made 

 up of equal parts of cracked corn and crushed oats. 



At two months of age the calf will eat one-half to. one pound of 

 grain a day; at four months, two to three pounds; and four to six 

 pounds thereafter. 



60. Feeding silage. — At four months the calf may have a little 

 silage. The feeding of milk can be stopped at six months, but it is 

 worth while to continue it longer if there is plenty. Feeding after 

 six months is discussed in Chapter V. 



It is important that, beginning at three to four weeks of age, 

 calves receive adequate amounts of good clean water, either by 

 having constant access to it, or by having it placed before them 

 twice daily at other times than at which they are fed their milk. 

 This is, of course, particularly important in warm weather, but it 

 is necessary in winter also. During the past winter the water 

 supply at the Cornell University barns became contaminated 

 with oil, with the result that the calves drank little or refused it 

 entirely. A marked decrease in the consumption of grain and hay 

 was immediately noticed and a loss in weight occurred with the 

 older calves, — conditions that were overcome as soon as good 

 water was obtained. 



61. Clean and dry pens. — It is important that the calves 

 should have clean and dry quarters. The temperature of the 

 stable may be rather low but the pens must not be damp. There 

 should be good ventilation but drafts should be avoided. When 

 the barn space will allow, it is preferable that each calf have a 

 separate pen for the first six months. In this way, each animal 

 can receive more individual attention and be fed as an individual. 



