WATER AND SALT REQUIREMENTS 247 



craving for it after two or three weeks, then quieted down and 

 gradually changed into a condition of low vitality, rough coat, 

 and emaciated condition, which resulted finally in a complete 

 breakdown. In most cases the cows recovered their normal 

 condition when given an abundance of salt. He found 

 that cows consume about one ounce per day when allowed 

 to eat as their appetite demands. He concluded that f 

 ounce per day per 1000 pounds live weight is sufficient, 

 with TQ- ounce in addition for each 20 pounds of milk 

 produced. Babcock's investigations indicate that the chlo- 

 rine is the essential element supplied by salt. 



Feeding of Salt. Practical observations and scientific in- 

 vestigations agree that salt is an essential part of the ration 

 for the dairy cow. Salt may be supplied by mixing the proper 

 amount regularly with the feed, or it may be placed where the 

 animal can consume such amount as the appetite demands. 

 From one to three ounces per day is needed, depending upon 

 the amount of milk produced. Some feeders prefer rock salt, 

 in which case a lump is placed where it can be licked by the 

 animals as their appetite calls for it. The common plan of 

 salting the cattle only at intervals of one or two weeks is not 

 to be recommended. 



