650 SUCCESSFUL FARMING 



putting a tag in the ear, or some other good system of marking is estab- 

 lished, trouble is avoided. 



The calf should be fed so as not to develop scours or disorders of any 

 kind. The best way is to feed the mother's milk for a few days, and see 

 that all milk is warmed to blood heat. It should be fed only from clean 

 pails. For the first few days it is well to feed three times a day; after 

 that, twice a day is sufficient. The calf should be fed liberally, but more 

 danger comes from over-feeding than under-feeding. Modern milk sub- 

 stitutes grow good dairy calves. 



Developing the Young Animal. — Dairy cows are developed success- 

 fully in several different ways. The essential point is that the bone must 

 be nearly grown at the time of dropping the first calf. Some feeders simply 

 give large amounts of roughage to heifer calves during the winter after 

 weaning from milk. In this way the frame grows, but little fat is put on. 

 Other feeders give some grain, up to four pounds per animal per day, and 

 this assures the heifer being in good flesh. When pastures are excellent, 

 the first method is all right, but when pastures are only good or fair, better 

 results are obtained by feeding some grain to heifers. A well-developed 

 growing heifer gives more milk than one poorly developed, since she 

 requires less feed for growth. 



Open Stables for Heifers. — Heifers over one year old are today kept 

 in open sheds facing the south. It is believed that this open-air method 

 develops a stronger constitution and more hardiness, two qualities of 

 great value in warding off disease later. This method of housing is much 

 cheaper than housing in expensive closed quarters, and the results are 

 at least equally good. 



REFERENCE 

 Nebraska Expt. Station Bulletin 149. "Raising the Dairy Calf." 



