COMMON AILMENTS OF CATTLE 161 



Calves raised by hand should be watched closely for signs 

 of iiidigestion. The main treatment, as pointed out in the 

 disc ussion of calf feeding, lies in prevention. Often the first 

 indication of disorder is foul-smelling dung. If this is 

 noticed, the ration should be at once cut down to one-half or 

 one third the usual amount. Often light feeding for a few 

 tim<!S will remove the trouble with no further treatment. 

 It is well to add to each pint of milk one teaspoonful of a 

 mixture of one-half ounce of formalin in 15J ounces of water. 

 The formalin should be given for two or three days at least. 

 Afti-r two or three feedings, if the calf improves, the milk 

 may be increased to the usual quantity. 



When a severe case of scours occurs, the feed should be at 

 onc<- reduced. A drench of three ounces of castor oil in a 

 pint of milk may be given with advantage. It is well to 

 give the formalin mixture for several days during recovery 

 from a severe attack. 



147. Lice. During the winter season especially, cattle 

 are often affected with lice. Calves and young cattle are 

 most often affected, but older cattle are not exempt, and they 

 may suffer badly from this pest. The presence of lice may 

 be suspected if the cows are seen rubbing the neck and shoul- 

 ders on trees and posts. When they are badly infested, 

 their hair usually begins to come out, in spots. Several 

 substances may be used to kill the lice. Any of the coal tar 

 dips and compounds on the market may be employed with 

 success. The most satisfactory treatment is kerosene emul- 

 sion. To make this, dissolve one-half pound of hard soap 

 in one gallon of boiling soft water. As soon as the soap is 

 dissolved, add two gallons of kerosene. Mix by pumping 

 with a spray pump or by stirring or by other means until a 

 thick creamy emulsion is formed from which the oil does 



