66 HOW THE ANIMAL USES ITS FEED 



requirements is used for making fat. An older animal 

 will fatten more readily than will a young one, because 

 the young animal grows, while the old one only lays on 

 fat. The quiet animal fattens more readily than the nerv- 

 ous, restless animal, because less of the food is wasted 

 in needless exercise. The breed of an animal has little ef- 

 fect upon fattening quality, but the type has an important 

 bearing upon the quality of meat produced. If the climate 

 is very cold, shelter from strong cold winds is an aid in 

 fattening, as less food will be require^ to keep the body 

 warm. Thrifty steers can stand steady cold weather and 

 fatten better than in weather so warm as to cause loss 

 of appetite. The hog, having a lighter coat and taking 

 less exercise, needs greater protection from the cold than 

 does the steer. 



Effect of Water, Light, and Air. — The fattening animal 

 should have free access to an abundance of good, pure, and 

 fresh water. Water helps to regulate the temperature of 

 the animal body and is necessary to carry on the increased 

 activity in the life processes due to fattening. Sunlight isl 

 necessary to the growing animal, in order that its body 

 and organs may develop normally. For a brief period 

 an animal will fatten more rapidly and cheaply in dark 

 quarters than in light, although light is essential to health. 

 Darkened quarters prevent annoyance from flies and keep 

 the animal in a quieter condition. They fatten better 

 when quietness prevails. Regularity in time of feeding 

 and the amount and kind of feed given are also important 

 factors. If changes, either in the feed or in the conditions 

 surrounding the animals are to be made, they should be 

 made gradually. A changing period under any circum- 

 stances is always a losing period. 



