FINISHING CATTLE IN THE STALL OR SHED I35 



earth floor is ample in the shed. When fed in the grove 

 the cost of providing shelter is entirely eliminated. 



The difference in the cost of labor between these 

 respective systems is probably the greatest difference 

 that exists. This difference applies more to the cleaning of 

 the stables than to any other single item of labor in- 

 volved, but it also applies to giving the animals oppor- 

 tunity to exercise and to take water when this is not 

 furnished in the stall. When finished in the open, no 

 labor is involved in tying the animals, in supplying 

 litter, or in watering them, the water being usually sup- 

 plied from an adjacent stream. 



Viewed from the standpoint of the individual needs 

 of the animals, finishing in the stall has a most de- 

 cided advantage over either of the other methods. It 

 gives the feeder the opportunity to differentiate in serv- 

 ing the food to the different animals, which may be 

 important in the case of individuals even of the same 

 size. It also enables him to fatten animals of different 

 ages in the same stable, which is scarcely practicable 

 in the open shed or outdoor shelter without grading 

 them and feeding the different grades separately. 



The amount of litter called for in the stall is much 

 less than in the shed. In the latter, litter must be sup- 

 plied often and liberally enough to keep the animals dry. 

 This means that it should be added every day or two. 

 The extra bedding called for is probably compensated 

 for, in part, at least, by the increased value of the 

 manure, as in proportion as the cattle are confined in 

 the sheds will the liquid be saved. But even greater 

 amounts of bedding are called for in the yards. They 

 should not be allowed to become miry if this can pos- 

 sibly be avoided, but should be kept in so dry a condi- 

 tion that cattle may lie on them in comfort. When fed 

 in the open, cattle are not usuall}' supplied with any 

 bedding. This is wasteful of manure, as it means that 

 all the liquid is lost, and some solid portions also, but 



