THE PRODUCTION OF VEAL 



H. Nagant, Editor, Journal of Agriculture. 



The feeding of calves for veal has perhaps been more neglected in Quebec than 

 any other branch of agriculture. Drastic laws had to be adopted prohibiting, under the 

 penalty of a fine, the sale of meat unfit for consumption, and providing for the seizure of 

 any animal not old enough to be sent to the market. Every year, a large number of 

 calves are sent to the reduction tank, to the great detriment of the farmers and to the 

 loss of the trade. 



How often do we hear people say: "It does not pay to fatten a calf; better get rid 

 at once of the calf not wanted for breeding purposes. The milk that it would use brings 

 an immediate profit at the end of the month when sold to the factory." They overlook 

 the fact that at calving time, in the spring, the price of milk is at its lowest, while veal 

 of good quality sells at a high price. Experience has shown that the production of 

 veal at that time brings at least one third more than the sale of milk to factories. Calves 

 not fit for breeding should, as a general rule, be fed for veal. 



The feeding of calves includes two periods — the preparatory and the finishing 

 period. 



In the first period no feed can take the place of the mother's milk. It alone is 

 sufficient to finish the animal and produces meat of the best quality. The exclusive 

 use of the mother's milk for a minimum of fifteen days (a month is better), appears to be 

 essential for the calf that is to be fed for veal, as well as for the calf that is kept for 

 breeding purposes. Afterwards, the best mixture to take the place of whole milk is: 

 One part flax seed, two parts ground oats, and two parts corn. This may be stirred into 

 milk, or, better still, given in a dry condition after the calf has drunk its milk. Regular 

 feeding is important. 



The fattening of calves may be hastened by inducing them to eat as much food as 

 possible. To do so, the following mixture should be given in the shape of small balls, 

 after the milk is consumed: Equal parts of ground corn, barley, oats, flax seed and shorts, 

 soaked in milk, making the balls about the size of an egg. The quantity will depend on 

 age and appetite. Under this treatment, the calves make rapid gains and weigh on an 

 average one hundred and fifty pounds at the age of two months. 



MUTUAL CONFIDENCE AS A FACTOR IN INCREASED 

 PRODUCTION OF LIVE STOCK 



A. P. Westervelt, Live Stock Branch, Department of Agriculture. 



In marketing live stock the producer does not come into direct contact with the 

 consumer for the reason that the only outlet for the product is through meat handling 

 plants. The only way in which the manufacturer is able to get his raw material is from 

 the producer. It follows, therefore, that a very close relationship exists between the 

 producer and the manufacturer. 



The transaction may be looked at either as a straight sale in which the producer has 

 no further concern, or he may regard it as to his interest that the consumer should be 

 supplied with an article of good quality and in the greatest quantity that the market 

 can take care of. Considering the dependence of the producer upon the manufacturer, 

 and the manufacturer upon the producer, the latter would appear to be the reasonable 

 view to take. Sympathy and co-operation are required between the two. Business 

 should be so conducted that outside of the reasonable profits of the manufacturer, the 

 proceeds should go to the producer. The success of both depends upon the success of 

 each. There must be recognition of the principle that what is best for the live stock busi- 

 ness as a whole, is best for all individuals concerned. 



Mutual confidence is the key note to the situation. Misunderstandings should be 

 swept away. The manufacturer and the producer should feel that each one has certain 



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