CHAP. vi. WEANING OF CALVES. 125 



Various plans have been suggested and tried with considerable 

 success, for rearing calves without any milk, or at least with only a small 

 quantity. The time of weaning them varies, from a fortnight until 

 they are seven weeks old ; but the latter period is preferable, on account 

 of the weak and tender state of the calves, if separated from the dam 

 at an earlier age. When skim-milk is used, boiled linseed is found to 

 be an excellent substitute for the cream which has been removed. 

 Various kinds of meals and condimental foods, specially prepared for 

 calves, have been invented ; but, while some of them are undoubtedly 

 useful in moderation, none of them can be regarded as a complete 

 substitute for milk. 



In several counties of England calves are left with the cow for about 

 ten days or a fortnight, and, being taken from her, are taught to drink 

 first new milk for a week or two, then new and skim-milk mixed ; and 

 if after a month or so the calf seems thriving, skim-milk only is given, 

 with oat or barley-meal, or crushed linseed, at first in small quantities, 

 but gradually increased in proportion to its age and growth. Some 

 patience is required in teaching calves to drink. When the animal has 

 fasted two or three hours, the first and second fingers of the right 

 hand, being previously well cleaned, are presented to its mouth. 

 It readily takes hold of them, and sucks eagerly. In the mean 

 time, a vessel of lukewarm milk is placed, and supported by the 

 left hand, under the calf's mouth ; and, while the young animal is 

 sucking, the right hand is gradually sunk a little way into the milk, 

 so that the little creature may suck up a sufficient quantity without 

 its nostrils being stopped. If, either from accident or from too sudden 

 precipitation of the hand into the milk, the calf should let go its hold, 

 the attempt must be repeatedly renewed until it is crowned with success. 

 It is much easier to teach a calf to drink from a pail, if it is not allowed 

 to suck at all from its mother's teats, and it must be admitted that this 

 plan is followed with entire success in many dairying districts. Feed- 

 ing pails, with artificial teats of india-rubber, have been tried, but we 

 are unable to report any marked advantage from their use. 



Small wisps of fine hay are then placed within reach of the calves ; 

 these they begin by sucking, and gradually become induced to eat. 

 Turnips chopped small, or carrots, and good sweet hay, may next be 

 given them : and, when they eat well, linseed-cake and crushed oats 

 may be added. They should be liberally fed for the first six or eight 

 months, well housed, and kept warm and clean. 



In the county of Suffolk calves are usually weaned soon after 

 Christmas, when they are fed with lukewarm skim-milk and water, 

 having bran or oatmeal in it, and some very sweet hay until the grass 

 is ready. Carrots form an excellent article of food. 



About three quarts of new milk daily are sufficient for the support 

 of a young calf. It should be given regularly at stated hours, and the 

 calf should be kept as quiet as possible, for rest will be found materially 

 to promote its growth. The quantity of milk required will vary with 

 the age and vigour of the calf, and should be regulated accordingly. 

 Most calves are greedy drinkers, and they should therefore never be 



