cows THAT SUCKLE THEIR CALVES 211 



present, as with them milk production is much less abun- 

 dant, as a rule, than with other classes of cows, but even 

 with cows of the beef-producing types, milk fever is by 

 no means unknown, hence when they are known to be 

 free milkers the same precautions in kind, though less 

 in degree, should be used with them as with the other 

 classes of cows when the calving season comes near. 

 (See page 189.) It would not be wise to give them 

 unrestricted access to pastures in the zenith of succu- 

 lence. Nor would it be wise to feed large amounts of 

 such foods as field roots or beet pulp, which tend to 

 greatly increase the milk flow. Nor should large 

 amounts of stimulating concentrates be fed at such a 

 time. They tend to induce what is sometimes termed 

 a heated condition of the system which is frequently 

 associated with udders more or less inflamed at the time 

 of and subsequent to parturition. 



Whether mild purgatives should be used before or 

 after parturition (see page 190) is a point on which 

 herdsmen are not in entire agreement. Some admin- 

 ister them both before and after parturition. This dif- 

 ference in opinion may be owing in part, at least, to a 

 difference in the normal condition of the average of the 

 herd as parturition draws near. As a constipated con- 

 dition of the cows is a menace to the health at such a 

 time, to administer mild purgatives is probably a wise 

 precaution. For the method of administering them see 

 page 190. If administered but once, they may be given 

 preferably before parturition. 



Of course the attendant should aim to be present 

 at the time of parturition. He can never be sure that 

 complications may not arise which may prove serious 

 and probably fatal in his absence. After the calf is 

 born a little tepid water should be given to the dam to 

 relieve the thirst induced by the fevered condition of the 

 system. The diet for the first day should be quite 



