116 DAIRY FARMING 



new-born calf at short intervals for a few days, and plac- 

 ing the calf in a disinfected stall, are good measures of 

 prevention. 



INDIGESTION. 



Causes. Overfeeding; feeding too much coarse, indi- 

 gestible feed ; sudden changes of feed ; stale, moldy, frosted 

 or decomposing feeds; irregularities of feeding; and lack 

 of exercise. 



Symptoms. Loss of appetite, suspended rumination, 

 dull, sickly appearance, and usually constipation. 



Treatment. Feed light ration containing laxative and 

 green feeds, such as linseed meal, pasture, roots, silage, 

 etc. Supply plenty of water and give i to i l / 2 pounds 

 of Epsom salts and I ounce ginger, or i to 2 pints of 

 raw linseed oil, according to the degree of constipation. 



RETENTION OF AFTERBIRTH. 



If the afterbirth does not come away within 48 hours 

 it should be removed by hand. Carefully disinfect the 

 hand and arm, grease the same and insert into the womb, 

 where the afterbirth must be carefully loosened from the 

 button-like projections to which it is attached. As soon 

 as removed, flush out the vagina and womb with warm 

 disinfectant solution. 



When cows are provided with laxative feed and warm 

 water shortly before and after calving, the afterbirth will 

 almost always drop away in due time. If the bowels are 

 not perfectly loose at calving time, administer a purga- 

 tive. 



The retention of the afterbirth for a longer period than 

 48 hours - /ill cause it gradually to decompose and slough 

 off, causing a foul discharge from the vagina and seri- 



