FEEDING DAIRY CATTLE 133 



they aid digestion by keeping the animal in good condition. 

 When a good ration has been selected there is no reason for 

 chi] nge for the sake of variety. If the animal craves a change 

 in ration, it is an indication that the ration it has been receiv- 

 ing is deficient in some particular. 



124. Order of Feeding. Regularity in feeding is of 

 greater importance than any special routine. The common 

 pm ctice is to feed twice daily giving about one-half the grain 

 and roughage at each feed. The grain is generally fed first 

 ami the hay feeding reserved until the milking is done to 

 avoid having dust in the barn. Silage should also be fed 

 aft or milking to prevent possible odors in the milk. The 

 co\\ r readily becomes accustomed to a certain routine and 

 this should not be varied any more than is absolutely neces- 

 sary. She may be accustomed to receive grain either before 

 or .after milking, or be easily taught to demand it while the 

 milking is being done. 



FEEDING Cows FOR THE MAXIMUM PRODUCTION IN 

 OFFICIAL TESTS 



125. Obtaining the Maximum Production. The maxi- 

 mum production is obtained from high-producing cows by 

 a combination of expert handling and the best possible 

 ration. Such cows cannot be fed entirely by any rule, nor 

 can their ration be calculated by a formula. The individual 

 animal and her characteristics must be taken into account. 

 One of the essential things is having the animal in the proper 

 condition of flesh at calving. She should be dry for two 

 months or more for the best results, and be fed a liberal 

 amount of grain during this period. Some form of suc- 

 culence is absolutely necessary as a part of the ration. 

 Roots, such as common beets, sugar beets, or mangels are 



