the same as for the several meals. Onlx, however, wlien liquid skim mil'v is 

 not available at such prices should calf meals or skim milk powder be sub- 

 stituted. 



In the second place our studies show that calves can be raised on various 

 skim milk substitutes together with a minimum of skim milk, and fairly good 

 growth secured. Care has to be taken not to overfeed. Manv of the" calves 

 thus grown are apt to look rather rough and not as smooth as skim milk calves 

 After they have reached the age of 6-8 months this difference generally dis- 

 appears. The average amount of skim milk consumed by the calves raised 

 on the various meals was 211 quarts, as compared with an average consump- 

 tion of 1046 quarts by the calves in the check lot which were raised on skim 

 milk and dry grain and hay. Those fed skim milk and starch consumed on 

 an average 912 quarts of skim milk. The calves reared on Meal No 6 re 

 ceived an average of only 108 quarts of skim milk each. 



It must be admitted that the dairyman who raises a few calves at a time 

 it he does not have skim milk available, will have to depend upon the manu- 

 facturer for his calf meal mixtures. The manufacturer can secure and blend 

 the different ingredients more cheaply than the small feeder; hence the results 

 ot station studies along this line are likely to be passed to the dairy farmer 

 through the manufacturer. 



The work has shown quite conclusively that skim-milk powder is a promising 

 substitute. This material is fairly easily obtained, can be readily prepared 

 tor tending, and at present prices costs very little more than liquid" skim milk 

 ihe addition of starch spares the amount of milk powder, but slightly increases 

 the cost of the gam. Because in the processes of drying the skim milk, it is 

 rif^ .1 ^^ ^ Fahrenheit or above for a considerable time, it would appear 

 that the danger from disease germs is likely to be remote. 



Finally it may be remarked that success in calf rearing is dependent not onlv 

 on the teed used but on several other factors which are: 



(a) A vigorous calf at. birth, 



(b) Clean pens and clean feeding utensils. 



(c) Regular feeding hours. 



(d) Special attention to the individual peculiarities of each calf. 



(e) Milk or gmel always fed at the same temperature— blood heat or there- 



abouts. 



(f ) Care to prevent overfeeding. If the calf refuses part of his allowance 



let him go hungry at the next meal, or if he starts to scour cut his 

 ration m half for the next twenty-four to thirty-six hours. 



(g) Sunshine, fresh air and exercise. Access to pasture if possible after 



the calf is six months of age; at least an open vard to run in, except 



m severe winter weather. 

 The above bulletin is a report of progress only. The studv of skim-milk 

 powder and of milk substitutes for young calves is being continued along 

 somewhat different lines and any pronounced progress will be reported. 



Practical Suggestions. 

 On the basis of the work reported in this bulletin, we are not prepared to 

 recommend any particular combination of ingredients going to make up a calf 

 meal mixture. Combinations No. 2 (see page 45) and No. 6 (see page 47) have 

 done fairly well. As already stated, the most promising substitute investi- 

 gated has been skim-milk powder and a combination of the powder with corn 

 starch. 



If skim-milk powder is used as a substitute for liquid skim milk, it is sug- 

 gested that one pound of the powder and a scant even teaspoonful of salt be 

 fed to each gallon of water. The milk powder and salt should first be stin-ed 

 with a small quantity of cold water to avoid lumping and after a creamy con- 

 sistency has been secured the necessary amount of lukewarm water should 

 be added, the mixture well stirred and thus fed. Do not feed the solution cold. 

 If skim-milk powder and starch are fed, mix as follows: 

 1 lb. of dry skim milk 

 1/^ lb. of corn starch 

 Level teaspoonful of salt. 



50 



