ESSENTIALS OF GOOD WATER. 37 



warm water the daily consumption was 8 to 10 Ibs. more than 

 with cold water. 



The percentage of water decreases in an animal as the process 

 of fattening advances, and whatever be the increase in weight, 

 water will represent at least J or J of the flesh added. 



The water when given in excess dilutes the gastric juice and 

 sooner or later brings about digestive complications, and has an 

 important influence on the quality of the milk. The supply of 

 water is consequently a most important question, and under all 

 circumstances must depend upon the ambient temperature. 

 Experience seems to show that, under normal conditions, if the 

 stable be at 60 F., when animals are stall-fed with a ration 

 containing -f of their weight in w r ater, this quantity is sufficient 

 for their maintenance, in fact, they refuse any additional drink. 

 When water is in excess, it stimulates the excretion of urine. 



The loss of water through the urine, lungs, etc., is at least 

 50 Ibs. per diem, so that quantity must be furnished, and if, for 

 example, the dry fodders contain 10 Ibs. of water, then 40 Ibs. 

 must be given as drink. 



When excessively diluted rations are given, diarrhoea is sure 

 to set in, hence such fodders are objectionable. This might be 

 an argument against the general use of diffusion pulps, but the 

 difficulty in this case is overcome by a liberal use of chopped 

 straw. So arrange that the requisite amount is furnished, say 

 3 to 4 times the w r eight of dry matter in a ration. 



Good water should be free from organic matter in a state of Essentials of 

 putrefaction, and it should be clear. Water under all circum- good water. 

 stances must have combined with it a certain amount of air, 

 otherwise it would be heavy on the stomach. River water ap- 

 pears to offer certain excellent conditions, and rain water may 

 also be used. Water in swamps, from drains, etc., need only 

 be considered bad when it has a strong characteristic odor and 

 in most cases animals prefer it, even when strongly charged 

 with urine, to any fresh from a fountain. Some authorities 

 recommend that bran or wheat flour be added to water with the 

 view of purifying it. 



Salt should beat the cow's disposal, and it is a mistake to Salt, 

 give only rock salt. A great mistake is also an over-feeding of 



