COMMON AILMENTS OF CATTLE 151 



137. Temperature. The normal temperature of a cow 

 usually varies between 99 and 103 F. The temperature is 

 tal en by means of a self-registering, or clinical, thermometer. 

 Be 'ore using it the mercury is shaken down. The instrument 

 is olaced in the rectum for at least three minutes before 

 tb< reading is made. 



V rise in temperature indicates fever due to inflammation 

 at some point in the body. A rise of 4 degrees is serious, 

 wl ile as much as 6 degrees is dangerous. A sudden fall in 

 temperature is also serious. The dairyman should provide 

 himself with a good clinical thermometer and become fa- 

 miliar with its use. 



138. Respiration. A cow normally breathes from 10 to 

 25 times per minute. Rapid breathing may be caused by 

 exercise, heat, or excitement, or by distention of the stomach 

 with gaseous food to such an extent that the lung capacity 

 is diminished. Rapid, short, or difficult breathing usually 

 signifies trouble with the respiratory organs. 



139. The Excretions. The excretions of an animal, the 

 urine and feces, or dung, show the general condition of the 

 digestive tract and kidneys. The stockman should be quick 

 to observe any abnormality in this respect and determine 

 the cause if possible. It is especially important to observe 

 the feces of the cow when she is under conditions of high 

 feeding as this is the best index of the state of her digestion. 

 The knowledge necessary to interpret the various conditions 

 that appear can only be had by experience and observation. 



INSTRUMENTS AND MEDICINES 



140. Instruments and Medicine. Every manager of a 

 herd of dairy cattle should be prepared for the ordinary emer- 

 gencies. If a competent veterinarian is not readily accessi- 



