CHAPTER IX 



CARE OF THE CALF 

 T^HERE is a difference of opinion among farm- 

 ers as to letting the calf suck the dam at all. 

 Some take it away immediately, but the greater 

 number leave the calf with its mother at least 

 twenty-four hours after it is born. It is always 

 safer to allow it to stay that length of time, unless 

 the cow is known to be tuberculous, in which case 

 the calf should be removed right away, and not 

 allowed to be licked by its mother or to drink any 

 of her milk. Tuberculosis is not hereditary, but 

 may be contracted. 



To teach a calf to drink, let it get quite hungry 

 first, then insert two figures into its mouth and 

 lower its head into the pail. Calf feeders can be 

 bought and are liked by some. If the calf proves 

 obstinate, — and, depend upon it, some surely 

 will, — the milk will cool while your patience is 

 being tried. It must be heated by adding a little 

 hot water to it, for the young baby must not get 

 cold milk, even when it is obstinate. Remember 

 it is against nature for a young calf to put its head 

 down to drink, so while it is learning this we must 

 be patient. It will help matters at first to raise 



[55] 



