ifX) THE MANAGEMENT AND FEEDING OF CATTLE 



When the water tank is in the yard, as it is more com- 

 monly, the water should be heated to keep it virtually 

 from being ic}'. The frequency with which cattle in the 

 stall should be allowed to take water will depend on 

 the character of the food. When much succulence is 

 fed, water given once a daj' is ample. If fed almost 

 exclusively on a diet of corn, it would probably be an 

 improvement to give water twice a day, but when thus 

 fed they are not usually so confined. A^^hen cattle con- 

 fined in the stall are given liberty to exercise daily they 

 will usually drink enough to supply their needs when at 

 libert_y. Salt is most easily supplied in troughs or boxes 

 accessible to the cattle when thus exercising. 



4. The necessity for exercise for cattle being fat- 

 tened has been disputed. There can be no question but 

 that they may be maintained in good health for 180 days, 

 that is, for the long term of feeding, without any exer- 

 cise at all. But it is equally true that if allowed to 

 exercise daily in a yard when the weather is not stormy, 

 the relative increase will be quite as good as from those 

 that are not allowed exercise. The former may take a 

 little more food, but the exercise improves the digestion. 

 When the animals are to be shipped, those given exercise 

 will shrink considerably less than those not exercised, 

 hence the method which allows the cattle to remain 

 out in a sunny and protected yard for an hour a day or 

 more meets with general favor. W^hen thus at liberty 

 they take water and usually such an outing is given to 

 them in the forenoon after the morning cold has been 

 removed by the sun, and this is the most suitable time 

 of the day for giving water. If necessary to have them 

 drink thus in time of storms, they should be at once 

 taken in after drinking. 



5. The appetite of the animals should be constantly 

 watched and the food supplies regulated accordingly. 

 This, of course, cannot be done when the cattle are fed 

 concentrates in self-feeders. When the temperature of 



