IX 



THE CARE OF THE MILKING HEED 



ScHOOL-BOT debating societies have long 

 wrestled with the time-honored query as to whether 

 the pen was mightier than the sword or water more 

 destructive than fire. So men of more mature 

 years have debated which was more important, to 

 have good cows or to have them well cared for. 

 It is breed versus feed. The obvious reply is that 

 both must go together if the business of dairying 

 is to be profitable. Men do not, however, always 

 act according to this truth. Sometimes we find 

 herds of excellent breeding where the food supply 

 and comfort of the animals are neglected. On the 

 other hand, it is not unusual to find men who are 

 good caretakers but who forget that no amount of 

 good food can secure high production from an in- 

 ferior cow. 



The care of cattle may be classified under: (a) 

 Factors of comfort, such as comfortable stalls, 

 protection from inclement weather, suitable stable 

 temperatures, water supply and protection from 

 insect pests; (b) factors of the food supply; (c) 

 factors of dairy management. 



