72 NON-SPECIFIC OR GENERAL DISEASES 



confined in a jiasture that is free from injurious weeds and not 

 too rough or hilly, and where the animals have access to clean 

 water and the necessary shelter, seldom suffer from an abnormal 

 birth. Here they live under the most favorable conditions for 

 taking exercise, securing a suitable diet and avoiding injury. 

 It may not be possible in managing breeding animals to provide 

 such surroundings at all times, but we should observe every 

 possible hygienic precaution, especially if the animal has reached 

 the later periods of pregnancy. 



All pregnant animals are inclined to be lazy, but, if permitted, 

 will take tlie necessary exercise. Pregnant mares are usually 

 worked. Such exercise does no harm, providing the work is 

 not hard or of an unusual character. Cows are usually sub- 

 ject to more natural conditions than other domestic animals. 



Protecting pregnant animals against injuries resulting from 

 crowding, slipping and fighting is an important part of their 

 care. Injuries from crowding together in the sleeping quarters 

 and about feeding-troughs, or through doors and climbing over 

 low partitions are common causes of injury in pregnant sows. 

 Oowding together in the stable or yard, or through doorways, 

 fighting, and slipping on floors, or icy places sometimes results 

 in injury. It is rare, however, for cows to abort from an in- 

 jury, but parturition may not be completely free from dis- 

 agreeable complications. Under the conditions mentioned re- 

 tention of the fetal membranes is common. 



Ewes frequently suffer from too close confinement during 

 late winter. Sows are often subject to the most unhygienic 

 conditions. This is shown in the heavy death-rate in sows 

 and pigs. During the late winter and early spring the condi- 

 tions may be such as not to permit of exercise. Stoimy, snowy, 

 muddy weather is common at this season of the year. Persons 

 caring for ewes and sows should see that they take suflicient 

 exercise. It may be necessary to driMe them about for a short 

 time each dav. At such times it may be advisable to give them 



