CHAPTER XVI, 



DISEASES AND AILMENTS OF DAIRY CATTLE. 



Prevention. The old adage, "An ounce of preven- 

 tion is worth a pound of cure," is as true to-day as 

 ever. The common ailments with which cattle are 

 afflicted can be largely prevented by correct feeding, 

 comfortable and sanitary housing, gentle treatment, and 

 by using every precaution possible against infection from 

 contagious diseases. 



Digestive disorders are the result of injudicious feed- 

 ing, and these may be the forerunner of a retinue of 

 various other disorders. Exposure to severe cold and 

 cold rains, and confinement in foul and unventilated 

 stables are predisposing causes to various diseases. Many 

 ailments are caused, either directly or indirectly, by al- 

 lowing cows to lie on cold concrete floors, by chasing 

 with dogs and by compelling them to walk and stand on 

 slippery, highly inclined floors. 



Great aid has been rendered in the prevention of dis- 

 eases through the rapid development of medical science 

 in pointing out the nature and causes of the various dis- 

 eases with which cattle are afflicted. Every dairyman 

 should have an intelligent understanding of the role 

 which bacteria (for definition of bacteria see p. 146) 

 play in the dissemination of diseases which could be 

 largely avoided by proper quarantine and methods of 

 disinfection. 



Quarantine and Disinfection. By quarantining is 

 meant the separation of the diseased from the undiseased 



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