20 FEEDING WITH SUGAR BEETS, SUGAR, ETC. 



it increases the thirst and considerably augments the flow of 

 urine, which are certainly not desirable conditions. The lead- 

 ing authorities admit that the limit allowed for a ration should 

 be about 60 grams per 100 kilos live weight, this amount to be 

 increased up to 100 grams towards end of fattening. In the 

 Essentials for foregoing we mention that the steer to be profitably fattened 

 CSSt must have certain comforts. Upon this subject Professor 

 Henry says: "Dry, protected yards, with sheds on the wind- 

 ward side, under which the animals may lie down in comfort, 

 are the ideal places for steer feeding. To keep the steer stan- 

 chioned or confined to a rope in the stable entails useless labor 

 on the stockman, and prevents proper exercise. Crude as has 

 been much of the open yard feeding in the West, the cattle so fed 

 have really experienced more comfort than had they been con- 

 fined in the stable, as is common in the East." The growing 

 steers should be fed several times a day at regular intervals 

 for the older cattle the number of times may be reduced, but it 

 is always important to have regular feeding hours. It is a 

 great mistake, as previously pointed out, to introduce the 

 cossette ration to steers at once; several weeks should elapse 

 before the normal standard is reached, and from that time on 

 great regularity should prevail. As cattle become accustomed 

 to their attendant, the persons employed should, as far as pos- 

 sible, always be the same, but their goings and comings should 

 not be too frequent. In special modes of treatment the rations 

 should be combined with almost mathematical precision, for 

 the cattle eat with avidity that combination to which they are 

 accustomed. Experience shows that it is a great mistake to 

 attempt any temporary methods of stimulating the appetites of 

 the animals fed, for a reaction is sure to follow. A very strong 

 impression prevails among the average farmers, who have not 

 had requisite experience, that steer fattening means sufficient 

 capital at the start to purchase a herd and the facilities for their 

 keeping during the fattening period, which may last six months. 

 The difference in the results obtained by a professional stock- 

 man who knows just what attention is needed and when it 

 should be given, and another person attempting the work of 

 steer fattening for the first time, will be most striking. What 



