336 CATTLE. 



were sold to a farmer not far distant, who agreed to keep them until 

 grown that we might see the effect of the treatment. At two years of 

 age, the left horn to which the compomid was applied, had not devel- 

 oped. The right horn developed naturally, while the left side of the 

 head to which the chemical was applied has not only failed to develop 

 the horn, but even the heavy base which grows out from the skull to 

 support it. This failure to develop not only the horn but its natural 

 support, raises the query whether a hornless race of cattle could not be 

 developed by using the dehorning compound for a number of gen- 

 erations. 



In advertisements of chemical fluids it is often claimed that the appU- 

 cation is painless, but our observations do not coincide with any such 

 statement. The application of a fluid powerful enough to destroy so 

 large a surface as the button on the calf's head, must produce a great 

 deal of pain, and the calves show this by nervous movemen.ts of the 

 head and attempting to rub the irritated spot. From our experience in 

 applying the liquid, we believe it should be used on as young calves 

 as possible, since the older the calf grows the more it seems to suffer 

 when the horns are removed. ' ' 



The question of dehorning all cattle is a question of expediency and 

 must be justified by the expectation of benefit on the part of the owner. 

 The practice has grown popular in many parts of the country. When 

 the operation is performed on cattle where horns are grown, it should 

 be done with a fine -toothed saw, and by sawing the horn off close 

 enough to include a little of the skin and hair around its base. 



Chapped Teats. These may be caused by anything which irritates 

 them. The powerful sucking of the calf, the sudden chilling of the 

 teat in winter after the calf has just let it go, or after the completion of 

 milking with a wet hand; contact with cold water, or stagnant, putrid 

 water, or with filth or irritants when lying down; slight congestions of 

 the skin in connection with overstocking, and, indeed, any source of 

 local irritation may cause chapping. This may be slight or extend into 

 great gaping sores and induce retention of milk or even mammatis. 

 Soothing applications of va,seline, or a combination of equal parts of 

 spermaceti and oil of sweet almonds, may be applied. If healing is 

 tardy add ten grains balsam of Peru to the ounce of ointment. If the 

 irritation is very great, wash first with a solution one dram sugar of 

 lead in one pint of water, and then apply benzoated oxide of zinc 

 ointment. 



