THE DISPOSAL OF COWS 287 



be those well advanced in growth, and as are found in 

 the late rather than in the early part of the season. The 

 drying of the cows could be timed accordingly. In 

 some instances fattening could be carried as far as grass 

 will carry such conditioning without grain, until the 

 cows would take the market. Such is probably the 

 cheapest fattening that can be given to straight dairy 

 cows. 



It is different, however, with cows of the dual types. 

 They may usually be fattened in good form, and, unless 

 when quite old, it may be well in order to stall feed 

 them for a time before they are sold. The method of 

 feeding them will be the same virtually as the method 

 adopted in fattening other cattle, and it may be done 

 winter or summer as described in Chapters VII and 

 VIII. It may not be wise to give them an equal finish 

 with young animals that are strictly prime, as however 

 finished they will not sell for so high a price. They 

 also may usually be most cheaply fattened on grass, but 

 this may not be practicable, in many instances, owing to 

 the season at which they are dried off. 



The beef animal, which many farmers kill once a 

 year, may frequently be drawn from this source. A cow 

 even reasonably well advanced in years may furnish 

 excellent meat for home use, dependent on the nature 

 of the fattening. If she can be fattened largely on such 

 foods as rape pasture, field roots, or ensilage, with suit- 

 able meal added, and in quantity such as will insure 

 quick fattening, a juiciness and a tenderness will be 

 imparted to the meat that adds greatly to the relish of 

 the same. The quickness of the fattening is an impor- 

 tant factor in securing these results, which means that 

 such fattening foods as corn should be fed daily. 



Disposal influenced by source of supply. — From 

 what has been stated above it is very evident that the 

 method of disposal is influenced by the source of supply. 

 It is usually practically impossible for the city dairyman 



