136 THE MANAGEMENT AND FEEDING OF CATTLE 



usuall}^ the loss from leaching in such areas is not very 

 great. 



Stated concisely, the chief benefits from feeding in 

 the stall are, first, the perfect protection that may be 

 given to the animals; second, the complete control of 

 the food for each animal ; and, third, the amount of litter 

 used. The chief objections to the system are, first, the 

 greater cost of shelter; second, the greater cost of labor; 

 and, third, the proper regulation of the ventilation. The 

 chief benefits from finishing in the shed are, first, the 

 less cost of the buildings; second, the considerable sav- 

 ing of labor; and, third, the increased value of the 

 manure so far as made in the sheds. The chief objec- 

 tions are, first, the inability to adjust the food to the 

 needs of the animals; second, the necessity that may 

 exist for grading according to age, size, and condition; 

 and, third, the amount of litter required. The chief 

 benefits from feeding in the grove are the great saving 

 over either of the other methods, first, in building ma- 

 terials; second, in the labor of feeding; and, third, in 

 litter. The chief objections are, first, the great loss in 

 fertility; second, the injury done by occasional storms; 

 and, third, the inability to feed according to the exact 

 individual needs of the animals. 



Leading up to full feeding. — The object sought in 

 fattening cattle is not so much to increase the lean meat 

 as to increase the proportion of the fat by distributing 

 it between the fibers of the muscles rather than by de- 

 positing it as fatty tissue, although both results will 

 follow. When the fat is thus deposited, it gives to the lean 

 a juiciness, a tenderness, and an increased nutritive value 

 that it would not otherwise have. 



This process calls for time proportionate to the con- 

 dition of the animals when put upon a finishing ration, 

 to their capacity to digest and assimilate their food, and 

 to the character of the foods fed. Every practical feeder 

 knows very well that a lean animal cannot be fattened 



