CHAPTER V 



HEIFERS DURING PREGNANCY AND 

 SUBSEQUENTLY 



In the discussion of this question the following 

 points will be considered in the order given: (i) The 

 age at which heifers reared for milk production should 

 he bred; (2) The food and care suitable for them when 

 pregnant; (3) Breaking them in to milk; (4) Treat- 

 ment subsequent to parturition; and (5) Raising calves 

 from such heifers. 



Age at which to breed heifers. — Under this head 

 will be considered the breeding of heifers, first, for the 

 dairy and for furnishing beef; second, the objections to 

 breeding too young and also deferring breeding to a 

 period unduly late, and, third, the sires used and the 

 manner of the service. The opinions of practical men 

 differ materially as to the age at which heifers shall be 

 l)red, especially for the dairy. 



The prevailing practice during recent years has been 

 to breed heifers so that the first calf shall be dropped at 

 the age of 24 months, and then to milk the heifer for a 

 long period, as long frequently as 18 months before she 

 produces her second calf. The standing argument ad- 

 vanced in favor of such a course is that it strengthens 

 and more or less confirms free and prolonged milk giv- 

 ing in the future cow. That it does is probably true. 

 If such an end could be attained without loss in any 

 other direction, the wisdom of the practice should not 

 be questioned, but there are some reasons for believing 

 that the gain referred to is secured at too great a cost. 

 During pregnancy, in order to sustain the fetus, there 

 is a drain upon the assimilati\'e powers, thus diverting 



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