...TV ) 



UNI- t 

 c f 



29 



the milk flow was increased to nearly the normal. With (III.) we have a 

 better-balanced ration; the cows were over-fed, but the better character of 

 the ration secured larger returns than were possible under previous feeding, 

 the amount of milli now reaching 31.8 pounds daily. It is evident that the 

 character and quantity of feed directly affect the flow of milk, and over- 

 feeding or the use of improperly-compounded rations may bring poor results 

 as well as under-feeding. 



Caring for the Coic. While our purpose is to cover the question of feed- 

 ing, that subject cannot be wisely considered unless certain matters concern- 

 ing the handling of the cow be first discussed. Though it cannot be affirmed 

 that the digestion of food by the cow is affected by the character of her 

 surroundings, it is certain ^that the yield of milk and its character are 

 directly influenced thereby, so that the results to the dairyman are the same. 

 Good returns from a given supply of feed, no matter how abundant and 

 satisfactory, cannot be looked for unless the cow also, has comfortable 

 quarters and is intelligently handled. 



Necessity for Shelter. In another article it is shown that the steer, gorged 

 with food, and each day adding to the layer of heat-holding fat just beneath 

 the skin, can withstand considerable cold, often showing preference to the 

 open shed to the close stable. The condition of the dairy cow is in strong 

 opposition to this, her system being relaxed by the annual drain of maternity 

 and the semi-daily heavy loss of nutrients drawn from her in the abundant 

 flow of milk. The observant stockman will at once detect the fundamental 

 difference in the condition of the dairy cow and the fattening ox in regard 

 to ability to withstand exposure to the weather. To be profitably managed 

 and yield wholesome milk, a cow must be comfortably housed in a well- 

 ventilated stable in winter, the temperature of which should not fall below 

 forty degrees as the minimum, or rise above sixty degrees as the maximum. 

 In such a stable, provided with abundance of sunlight, she is in condition, 

 so far as environment is concerned, to yield the highest returns for the feed 

 given. 



Exercise. With the fattening animal soon to be slaughtered, confinement, 

 more or less close, is advisable, since it prevents waste of tissue and conserves 

 the feed. The end in view with the dairy cow is radically different, for she 

 must give milk almost daily during the whole period of her usefulness, and 

 the milk so yielded must be wholesome in character, fit in all particulars for 

 the most delicate. It is certainly reasonable to hold that the cow cannot 

 maintain the high standard of bodily health and vigour essential to the pro- 

 duction of healthful milk when she is closely confined in the stable for long 

 periods without opportunity for outdoor air and exercise. She should have 

 several hours' outdoor exercise daily, or in quarters other than where she 

 passes most of her time, the change affording opportunity to breathe the pure 

 air and drink in the sunshine, as well as to exercise the muscles which have 

 not been called into action during confinement, and resting those taxed by 

 occupying a forced position in the narrow stall or stanchion. 



Professor Roberts' System. At the north, where the winters are severe, 

 it is difficult to give cattle the requisite exercise without forcing them to 



