REARING OF CALVES FOR THE DAIRY. 



217 



"Scouring is a common result of indigestion, and at first may be nothing 

 more than an attempt of nature to relieve the stomach and bowels of offensive 

 and irritating contents. As the indigestion persists, however, the fermenta- 

 tions going on in the undigested masses become steadily more complex and 

 active, and what was at first the mere result of irritation or suspended diges- 

 tion comes to be a genuine contagious disease in which the organized ferments 

 (bacteria) propagate the affection from animal to animal, and from herd to 

 herd. In enumerating the other causes of this disease, we may refer to those 

 noted above as inducing indigestion. As a primary consideration any condi- 

 tion which lowers the vitality or vigor of the calf must be accorded a promi- 

 nent place among the factors which, apart from contagion, contribute to start 

 the disease de novo. Other things being equal, the strong, vigorous races are 

 the least predisposed to the malady, and in this respect the compact form, the 



DE KOL 2D'S PAULINE, 30112 H. F. H. B. 



At four years old awarded first prize by the Holstein-Friesian Association of America for largest 

 officially authenticated yield of butter fat in contests of 1896-7. ~ 

 to 24.14 Ibs. commercial butter. 



Record, 19.31 Ibs., equivalent 



healthy coat, the clear eye, and the bold, active carriage are desirable. Even 

 the color of the hair is not unimportant, as in the same herd I have found a 

 far greater number of victims among the light colors (light yellow, light 

 brown) than among those of a darker tint. This constitutional predisposition 

 to indigestion and diarrhea is sometimes fostered by too close breeding, with- 

 out taking due account of the maintenance of a robust constitution, and hence 

 animals that are very much inbred need to be especially observed and cared 

 for unless their inherent vigor has been thoroughly tested. The surroundings 

 of the calf are powerful influences. Calves kept indoors suffer to a greater 

 extent than those running in the open air and having the invigorating influ- 

 ences of sunshine, pure air and exercise. But close, crowded, filthy, bad 

 smelling buildings are especially causative of the complaint. They further 

 weaken the system so that it can no longer resist and overcome the trouble. 

 The condition of the nursing cow and her milk is another potent cause of 

 trouble. The food of the cow is important. 

 15 



