Care and Management of Dairy Cattle 167 
housed, yet provided with an abundance of light and much fresh 
air; — all serve to complicate the problem of providing suitable 
quarters for the dairy cow. 
There are certain fundamentals that should be provided in 
every building in which the dairy cow is stabled. Chief among 
these are light, ventilation, sufficient room, smooth and light walls 
and ceilings, a good floor, a comfortable and convenient stanchion 
and properly constructed mangers. 
277. Light in abundance should enter the dairy barn. — Sun- 
light is nature’s disinfectant. With sufficient light and proper 
ventilation, germ diseases are not likely to occur. It is said that 
direct sunlight will kill the growing tuberculosis germ in a very 
few minutes. Hence, cattle kept in well-lighted and well-ven- 
tilated quarters are not so likely to contract this much dreaded 
disease. Again, light shows dirt and makes it easy to keep the 
barn clean. Dark stables are likely to be dusty or dirty and 
damp, thus providing conditions for germ growth. In addition 
to health, cleanliness, and the like, a barn in which the sun shines 
freely is a cheerful place in which to work. 
278. Ventilation essential to health.— The importance of 
pure air in a cow stable cannot be overestimated. It is essential 
to the well-being of the herd; without it, disease will surely work 
destruction. While there are many methods of ventilating a 
dairy barn, the King system in some of its modified forms is ad- 
mitted to be the most efficient. If in addition the windows 
are arranged as suggested, p. 168, ample ventilation can be pro- 
cured. 
279. King’s system of ventilation. — While there are many 
methods of arranging this system, it consists essentially of two 
parts: the inlets and the outlets, in the form of flues. This 
system will not work if the walls of the barn are full of cracks, or 
if the floor is made of loose boards. The floor, walls, ceilings, 
and windows must be so constructed as to prevent any large 
quantity of air from leaving or entering. 
