FINISHING CATTLE IN THE STALL OR SHED I59 



mentioned. About 2 pounds of concentrates have been 

 fed in the said area to one of roughage, but such feed- 

 ing will probably be much modified in the future. (See 

 page 162.) 



Miscellaneous observations. — If the best results 

 possible are to be obtained from cattle on full feed, cer- 

 tain attentions must be given to them, and with unfailing 

 constancy, which, taken singly, may seem to be of minor 

 importance. Prominent among these are the following: 



1. When tied in the stall or allowed the liberty 

 of a shed or yard they should be so cared for that filth 

 will not accumulate upon them. This means that they 

 should be well supplied with bedding. When in the 

 stall it will further aid in keeping them clean to clip 

 ofif the hair closely on the sides of the hips and over 

 the thighs and buttocks. 



2. Such cattle must be kept free from the annoy- 

 ance of insect pests and skin diseases. Lice will so 

 multiply, if present, that they will disturb the cattle to 

 the extent of serioush^ hindering their gains. The idea 

 is frequently cherished that lice will only be found upon 

 lean cattle, but this view is very erroneous, hence exam- 

 ination should be made when the animals are put on feed 

 to ascertain as to their presence. What has been said 

 about the influence of lice in hindering gains will apply 

 in a greater degree even to certain skin diseases, as 

 mange. The treatment that will remove both insect 

 pests and skin diseases is discussed in Chapter XIX. 



3. AVater and salt must be supplied to the full needs 

 of the animals. The system that supplies water in the 

 stall so that it is at all times accessible cannot be im- 

 proved upon, but, because of the first cost, it will only 

 be supplied thus in exceptional imstances. To cattle 

 that are not confined, there is no better way of supplying 

 water than to furnish it under cover, in a tank, in the 

 shed so that they may have access to it at all times. 



