260 CALF RAISING 



the calf pen that barns being constructed should take this class 

 of needs well into account and locate the " children's " room on 

 the southeast or southwest corner of the barn. 



Sucking. — Practically all calves, if permitted, will, when 

 through drinking their milk, turn and suckle the other calves 

 present. The practice should not be permitted for the good 

 of either calf. Heifer calves thus suckled will in a few months 

 develop the udder abnormally on the side usually massaged 

 by the process. Poorly formed udders in mature cows are 

 occasionally traceable to carelessness in this regard on the part 

 of the manager. Calves frequently, too, form the habit of 

 consuming the urine from a neighbor calf, which practice is very 

 detrimental to both. This is one reason why it is so highly 

 advisable to lock the calves in a stanchion before feeding and 

 compel them to remain there until the impulse to nurse has 

 left them (Fig. 82). Rub bran on the nose after drinking. 



Open vs. Sucking Pails for Calves. — The theory is often 

 expounded that calves will do much better if compelled to take 

 more time in the drinking of their milk. To this end various 

 devices resembling cows' udders with a single teat below have 

 been put upon the market. A test of the value of slow versus 

 fast drinking has recently been made with the evidence favor- 

 ing the slow consumption of the milk. Earlier tests and prac- 

 tice in general do not show sufficient difference in the two 

 methods to warrant the extra cost of the instrument used and 

 the extra labor in keeping it clean. Briefly, then, if the milk 

 is in good condition and fed in proper amounts and in the 

 right order, the rate of consumption of the milk will be found 

 a very minor matter. 



Dehorning with Caustic — Calves at birth have no horns. 

 The organ develops first on the skin as a button, loose from the 

 skull, later attaches to the skull proper. A horn may be killed 

 while still a mere lump in the skin with caustic potash. The 

 hair should be clipped away carefully around the spot to be 

 treated; the skin thoroughly moistened and rubbed soft. A 

 stick of caustic potash may then be touched carefully to water 

 and rubbed into the skin over the embryo horn. Care should 

 be taken that there is not so much water present as to run 



