GROWING AND FITTING CATTLE FOR EXHIBITION 335 



stances, that the digestion in such calves is overlax to 

 be really normal, and yet the condition does not lapse 

 into what is termed scours. This condition may con- 

 tinue for some time, and yet may do no serious harm. 

 As long as calves thus affected do not in any sense lose 

 appetite, and continue to make good increase, they are 

 not to be regarded as in a dangerous condition. If 

 scours are severe and prolonged, development is so re- 

 tarded that the hope of growing such animals for show 

 yard honors had better be abandoned. 



4. The time for weaning will vary with the dates 

 of the birth of the calves, and the season at which the 

 fair is held. The usual age for weaning such calves is 

 from 12 to 15 months. Such weaning should not take 

 place before the fairs, lest it should lead to reduction 

 in flesh at a critical time. After the fairs, some reduc- 

 tion may prove helpful rather than harmful. When 

 calves are fed as those must be fed which are to show in 

 the fat classes, weaning should not check growth at all 

 seriously. The weaning, however, should be gradual. 

 When it begins the calves should be allowed to suck but 

 once a day. This should continue for, say, lo to 14 days, 

 after which they are not allowed to take more milk. 

 When the milk is withheld, they will profit by an in- 

 crease in the amount of roots fed. 



5. The character of the stalls, yards, and paddocks 

 all exercise an influence on development, hence they 

 must be considered. Of course, box stalls are a neces- 

 sity that the calves may take exercise in them. Bright, 

 airy, and well-ventilated stalls are, of course, the most 

 healthful. Two or three animals of age not far different 

 may be kept in each for a time, but not after that time 

 is reached when any difference in the food requirements 

 becomes apparent. Each animal is given the sole use 

 of the stall after it is weaned, if not before. The aim 

 should be to have the 3'ard attached on the sunny side 

 of the building and sheltered from cold winds. In win- 



