60 THE MANAGEMENT AND FEEDING OF CATTLE 



the tenderness of the grass. In bluegrass pastures not 

 grazed close in the autumn, if the turning out is done 

 just at the opportune moment it may be quite prac- 

 ticable to turn out abruptly, as the dead grass consumed 

 will counteract the tendency to scours. 



A\'hen the cattle are put on winter feed the special 

 need for succulence and palatability in the food should 

 not be forgotten. Stagnation in growth or loss of 

 flesh at such a time is unfortunate, as the loss thus sus- 

 tained cannot be overcome so easily as similar loss could 

 be in the spring. Roots and ensilage will most cheaply 

 supply such succulence. In the absence of both, bran 

 or oilcake, or what is better, both, may be fed in limited 

 quantity to prevent the constipation that is likely to 

 come from the change. The more palatable fodders 

 given at such a time may be gradually changed to less 

 palatable when the animals have become reconciled to 

 the changed conditions. 



Salt should be accessible at all times. In winter 

 there is no better way of giving it than by keeping it 

 in a box under cover, as in the stable or shed in which 

 the young animals are running loose. In the summer 

 it should be made accessible at all times in the pas- 

 tures. The box in which it is kept may be located pref- 

 erably near the watering place or the gateway leading 

 into the field, where the animals are more prone to con- 

 gregate than at other places. In large pastures broken 

 with hill and valley or woodland, such an arrangement 

 may save considerable time in the frequent inspection of 

 the animals, to make sure that all is well with them. 

 Common salt is usuallv considered preferable to rock 

 salt, as under some conditions, at least, the animals do 

 not take enough of the latter to supply their needs. The 

 supply should be given moderately, and frequently 

 renewed, rather than given in large quantity and sel- 

 dom, to lessen the loss from dissolving rains when ex- 

 posed and to prevent incrustation. No objection can be 



