180 Animal Husbandry 
While different systems of feeding might undoubtedly be rec- 
ommended-for cattle of various ages and quality, there are at 
least three conditions that should be kept clearly in mind: first, 
cattle wintered on roughage alone, provided they retain their 
thrift, will make more economical beef producers the following 
summer on pasture than when they receive grain along with the 
roughage; second, cattle wintered on a too liberal grain ration 
may fail to make a profit the following summer on pasture; and 
third, other things being equal, cattle wintered on a ration contain- 
ing a liberal supply of protein, particularly if this protein is con- 
tained in the roughage, as clover, alfalfa, or cowpea hay, will 
make greater and more economical gains during both winter and 
summer than if this nitrogenous roughage is wanting. 
295. Roughage increases feeding capacity. —It is conceded 
by experienced cattle feeders that roughing steers preparatory 
to putting them on full feed requires much skill. The feeding of 
an abundance of roughage encourages the enlargement and develop- 
ment of the digestive organs, thus increasing the capacity for 
handling more concentrated feeds later on. This, of course, gives 
the thin animal a large paunch, which must certainly be reduced 
before the animal is ready for market. A large-paunched steer 
is not wanted on any fat-cattle market. Therefore, in the early 
part of the feeding process, the enlarging of the paunch should be 
encouraged in order to increase the capacity, while the latter part 
of the feeding period should be devoted to reducing this paunch 
and smoothing up the steer. 
SUMMER FEEDING ON PASTURE 
Fattening cattle in the summer on pasture is usually more prof- 
itable than winter fattening. By such feeding the labor is re- 
duced to a minimum, there is no handling of bulky foods, no 
bedding to provide, no lots to clean of manure, and no outlay for 
an extensive plant, such as sheds, lots, and the like. 
