32 



the individual needs of the members. Since some cows can profitably utilise 

 more feed than others the distribution of concentrates should proceed with 

 discrimination, some animals being fed more and others less than the average 

 of the herd. 



Confinement During Heated Periods. Whether or not the dairyman prac- 

 tise soiling, there are periods in summer when the cows should be in the 

 stable during the day and turned to pasture at night. During heated periods, 

 when flies are troublesome, cows fall off greatly in their milk, this shrinkage 

 measuring in some degree their suffering. At such times it is best to place 

 them in darkened stables and supply green forage, supplemented with meal 

 For exercise turn them out at night in yard or pasture. Knowing how 

 difficult it is to bring cows back to their normal flow after these periods of 

 shrinkage, the wise dairyman will not be unwilling to provide for their com- 

 fort at such times. 



Water. That the cow requires a liberal supply of water goes without 

 saying; for not only must the wants of the body be met, but a considerable 

 quantity is drained off with the milk, twice daily. Being creatures of habit, 

 cows can subsist when supplied with water once each day, but an, opportunity 

 to reach the trough morning and evening is preferable. It is becoming quite 

 common to supply water to cows, individually, in small troughs or vessels 

 placed in front of them in the stable. If this supply can be kept wholesome 

 the practice is satisfactory; but close inspection will show that in many 

 cases, perhaps a majority, these individual watering devices are traps for 

 filth and foul-smelling water. The dairyman should convince himself, by 

 using his nose as well as his eyes, that the w^ater in these devices is pure and 

 wholesome. 



Whatever method of watering is employed, let uniformity prevail, the 

 cows having opportunity to secure all they wish without fear of one anotlier 

 or of being forced to undergo hardship in securing it. Often the dairyman 

 boasts of a spring or creek at which his cows may help themselves. These 

 sources of supply are often a long way from the stables, and the animals are 

 dally forced to make journeys to them, often in inclement weather, thereby 

 experiencing discomfort and actual hardship. A good well with wind-mill 

 will prove superior to springs and brooks in most cases, because, with these, 

 water can be delivered when and where it is needed. 



Salt. Though little is known from investigation on this subject, it is 

 evident from the extreme fondness of dairy cows for salt that this article 

 should be regularly and abundantly supplied them. The necessity for salt 

 increases with the amount of concentrates given. From three-fourths to one 

 ounce of salt daily is a reasonable allowance. It should be supplied daily 

 rather than at irregular or infrequent periods in larger quantities. The 

 practice of placing large lumps of rock salt where they are accessible to the 

 herd is satisfactory, provided the salt is kept under cover in a clean box. 



Feed for the Dairy Cow. 



Necessity for Concentrated Feed. The dairy cow, when yielding a liberal 

 supply of milk, should be regarded as an animal at liard labour. We have 

 seen that the work-horse must have more grain and loss roughage as his 



