FEEDING FOR OFFICIAL RECORDS 57 



may be used in the proportion of two pounds of dry pulp to three 

 pounds of grain. The pulp may also be soaked in molasses diluted 

 with warm water. Use one-half pint of molasses to a feeding. 

 Many use a little molasses in the test ration because it is palatable 

 and laxative. The molasses may cause scouring in which case it 

 must be discontinued. (439) 



96. The hay and silage. — For roughage alfalfa hay seems to 

 have the preference. Clover hay will also prove satisfactory, but 

 good results cannot be expected with poor roughage. The cow 

 may receive all the hay she will clean up after she has consumed 

 all the grain it seems wise to feed her. The amount of silage fed 

 should be limited, or may be eliminated entirely, unless the animal 

 shows a special liking for it. Succulence is better provided with 

 beets or beet pulp, as a large consumption of silage means a less 

 consumption of grain. We suggest 15 pounds per day or even less 

 as a limit for the silage. 



The stall should be well ventilated, but free from drafts. The 

 temperature should be around 50° F. Regularity in feeding and 

 milking are essential. The latter should be done by the same man 

 throughout the test. When a cow is being forced to her utmost it 

 takes but a little thing to upset her and slow her down. Therefore, 

 she must be carefully and constantly watched that no detail of 

 care which may add to her comfort and content may be neglected. 

 The experienced and skillful feeder realizes these things and he 

 gets the records. 



Feeding for Long-Time Records 



The general system of feeding for a year's record is similar to 

 that 'described for the short-time test but the animal cannot be 

 forced as much. Relatively less grain and relatively more roughage 

 are fed. The cow is frequently milked only three times a day 

 instead of four. This, of course, means adjusting the feeding 

 accordingly. 



97. The grain mixture. — The same grain mixtures as were 

 recommended for the short-time periods are satisfactory. However, 

 over the year's period the watchful feeder will modify the mixture 



