cows were mature and in condition to make the largest returns for a 

 number of years. Later, with the frequent addition of heifers with 

 first calves, the average milk yield was naturally somewhat lessened. 

 It was not considered advisable for the station to keep a pure bred 

 herd for the reason that it was necessary to change animals frequent- 

 ly. On the whole the cows bred at the station proved more satis- 

 factory than those purchased, although some home bred heifers did 

 not show improvement over their dams and were discarded. The 

 cows weighed from 650 to 11 00 pounds; the average weight ap- 

 proximated 900 pounds. 



The herd has been comparatively free from disease. Two slight 

 outbreaks of abortion have occured, introduced unquestionably from 

 a purchased animal or by the use of an outside bull. One outbreak 

 of tuberculosis was experienced some nine years ago due to the acci- 

 dental introduction of a diseased cow. Four animals became infected 

 and when slaughtered proved to be slightly diseased. The present 

 herd of twelve milking cows and several head of young stock were 

 tested with tuberculin during the winter of 19 13 without reaction. 

 We have had practically no trouble in keeping out tuberculosis when 

 only occasional tuberculin-tested animals were purchased. 



METHOD OF FEEDING AND CARE. 



The cows have been kept in separate stalls, water being constantly 

 before them by the aid of a self-watering device. They have been 

 fed twice daily, both the roughage and grain as a rule being given 

 them after milking in the morning and before milking in the evening. 

 Feeds having a pronounced flavor or odor are fed 

 after milking. Feeding in the middle of the day is considered un- 

 necessary and expensive. After the consumption of the feed, the 

 cow is perfectly contented to lie down and chew her cud. Two 

 ounces of salt mixed with the grain are fed daily. During the winter 

 the animals are turned into the barnyard daily for from three to six 

 hours whenever the weather conditions are suitable. In the summer 

 months they are in the same barnyard for a much longer period 

 daily, and are also turned out at night after they have eaten. Only 

 the dry cows have been sent to pasture. The cows are bred to calve 

 in the early autumn if possible. In summer they are fed grain and 

 hay and partially soiled with some 50 pounds daily of such green 



