192 THE MANAGEMENT AND FEEDING OF CATTLE 



should be present such conditions as suitable ventila- 

 tion, freedom from dampness, and the ample admission 

 of sunlight. Inattention to these matters, especially the 

 first, is responsible for a large percentage of instances 

 in which cows are affected with tuberculosis. It is im- 

 perative that attention shall be given to it in whatever 

 kind of stables the cows are confined. The colder the 

 winter temperature, the more necessary is it that care- 

 ful attention be given to ventilation in addition to that 

 secured by means of windows. (See page 378. j 

 Dampness is most commonly present in basement 

 stables which are built into a bank on three sides, and 

 which are not properly ventilated. The proper con- 

 struction of these is given in Chapter XVII. (See page 

 348.) Light, and especially sunlight, is the great force 

 to destroy disease germs, hence the wisdom of having 

 ample provision made for admitting light, and it also 

 tends much to facilitate the ease and dispatch with which 

 work may be done in a stable. 



Whatever the nature of the confinement, it is neces- 

 sary that each animal shall be given its proper portion 

 of food. As shown on page 272, variations are fre- 

 quently necessary in the amounts and kinds of food fed 

 to effect a given result, hence whatever the nature of the 

 quarters furnished for cows they must be confined with 

 tie or stanchion when taking the grain portion of the 

 food. This necessity may not always exist when tak- 

 ing fodder. (See page 193.) 



Exercise called for. — Authorities are not agreed as 

 to the best method of giving exercise to dairy cows in 

 winter, and as to the amount of the same that should be 

 given. Three methods of giving exercise have been ad- 

 vocated and practiced. By the first the cows are turned 

 out for a short time in the warmest portion of the day 

 in a protected and sunny yard, but only for an hour or 

 two, and only on days when the temperature is not cold 

 enough to bring discomfort. The weak point of this 



