MANAGEMENT OF DAIRY CATTLE 231 



This is important in order to start the cow at a high level of 

 milk production. Further, far less trouble is experienced in 

 parturition when the animal is in good order, and there is less 

 trouble from retention of the afterbirth. 



The feeding of the cow while dry will depend upon her con- 

 dition of flesh when milking ceases. If she is in good order, 

 that is, somewhat more than moderate in flesh, a little more 

 than a good maintenance ration will be needed while dry. 

 There is no more suitable ration for such a cow than good 

 pasture or clover hay and corn silage. If she is thin, the ration 

 should be sufficient to get her into proper condition at calving 

 time. 



The amount of nutrients needed for developing the fetus 

 has not been determined, but must be taken into account. A 

 calf usually weighs from 50 to 90 pounds at birth, depending 

 upon the breed. No analysis of newborn calves is available, 

 but it is probable they contain at least 60 per cent of water. 

 On this basis a calf weighing 60 pounds would contain 36 

 pounds of dry matter. It would require 300 pounds of ordi- 

 nary milk containing 12 per cent of solids to equal the dry 

 matter in a calf of this size. On this basis it would require 12 

 days for a cow producing 25 pounds of milk per day to pro- 

 duce as much dry matter in the milk as is contained in a calf 

 at birth. We cannot assume, however, that the tax on the 

 animal would be the same in both cases. 



At this time the cow should have exercise, and nothing is 

 better in this respect than freedom in a smooth pasture. She 

 should not be chased by dogs or driven through narrow gates. 

 As parturition approaches, she should be put on a laxative ra- 

 tion if during the period of winter feeding; if on pasture no 

 special attention need be given to the feed. She should not 



