FEEDING AND MANAGEMENT OF BEEF CATTLE. 55 



leaving part of the manure exposed to the weather. However, if the 

 feed lot is small and kept well bedded, the loss of manure may not be 

 great. The writer prefers a large covered barn, well ventilated, with 

 water and salt provided inside. A barn of this type need not be ex- 

 pensive. The principal cost will be in the roof, the sheltered sides being 

 boarded up only part way. For those who care to allow their cattle in 

 the open a short time each day or at frequent intervals, a small lot to 

 the south may be provided. However, if the barn is large, amply venti- 

 lated and the cattle are not cramped, there is no necessity for allowing 

 them outside. Beef cattle should be kept quiet, to make the most rapid 

 gains. 



The practice of allowing the cattle access to a large open lot is not 

 conducive to rapid and economical gains. Stall feeding sometimes prac- 

 ticed in the State, is also expensive because of the extra cost of buildings 

 and labor involved. The former method described is advocated by the 

 largest and most successful feeders. The cattle are easily fed and they 

 have practically the same advantages as the stall-fed animal. iFrom 

 the financial standpoint, stall feeding is not practical under Southern 

 conditions, and it is doubtful whether it is a judicious practice in other 

 sections. 



Grades of Feeders. 



In Figs. 3, 4 and 5 is shown the difference in the grades of feeding 

 cattle found on the various markets in this State. 



The common grade of feeders are light and rough and are lacking in 

 flesh, capacity and early maturing qualities. .Their weight ranges from 

 800 to 950 pounds. Such steers make small gains and do not improve 

 in value materially even with careful feeding. The same statement ap- 



FIG. 3. A very faulty feeder, lacking in weight, 

 capacity and breeding. 



plies to the mixed lots consisting of inferior steers, cows, heifers and 

 oxen which are frequently used. These feeders are generally of mixed 

 blood, not uniform in size or weight, making small gains with an uneven 

 finish. Neither of the two classes are satisfactory for the discriminat- 

 ing market. 



