REQUISITES FOR SUCCESSFUL FATTENING. 17 



the animals being fattened and themselves; excitement of any 

 kind should be avoided, and the animal must have perfect 

 quiet; hence we consider it a mistake for the cattle-shed to be 

 too near the factory, as the noise from same has a thinning 

 effect and prevents perfect assimilation. 



Steer feeding, on a large or extended scale, cannot be made Requisites for 

 profitable unless there are suitable shelters and comforts at the success - 

 disposal of the animals. It is not desirable to tie up or confine 

 these animals, as they must take a reasonable amount of exer- 

 cise, which is always followed by better appetites and an increase 

 in the total weight of the ration eaten. The cattle must have 

 comparatively warm indoor quarters where they may retire 

 when so inclined. 



The fattening period should last from three to four months, 

 a good limit being four months, under which circumstances the 

 pulp used remains but a very short time in the silos after the 

 campaign is ended, and what is left over is fed to cattle in gen- 

 eral. As the fattening period progresses, the nature and re- 

 quirements differ; hence it is essential to have the ration 

 compatible with these requirements. During the first period 

 the character of the animal should be studied, his likes and 

 dislikes looked after, and, within a reasonable extent, all future 

 rations should be based upon these observations. 



One advantage that pulp and beet molasses feeding offers over Advantages of 

 the regular modes is that the supply may be kept well up to su 9 ar beet 

 June, and there is thus no temptation on the part of stockmen 

 to turn cattle out to pasture, for this sudden change in diet does 

 not, as a general thing, prove beneficial. There frequent!} 7 fol- 

 lows an important falling off in weight. It is better to keep them 

 upon the ration they have had during several months previous, 

 up to the time they leave for the slaughter house. 



One of the most important points is to keep in mind that Requisites for 

 the cattle must be made to eat the greatest possible amount, successful 

 As previously pointed out, it is possible to force the animals, 

 so as to reach 44 Ibs. dry matter per diem with an increase 

 of weight of 4 Ibs. a day, for a short period. There is ample 

 authority to show that the feeding should be in periods the 

 first period has the object of pushing or forcing the ration; 

 2 



