316 MANUAL OF FARM ANIMALS 



much upon its growth during the first six months of its 

 life. 



If possible, the cow should have some succulent food, as 

 corn silage, as such food improves her physical condition and 

 encourages the milk flow, thereby giving the calf a more liberal 

 supply. Clover, alfalfa, cowpea, or mixed hay should con- 

 stitute at least a part of the dry forage, with some grain fed in 

 addition. For the grain, a mixture of corn and bran with a 

 little linseed meal added cannot be improved upon, and if a 

 leguminous dry forage with silage is fed, a small amount of this 

 grain, say four pounds daily, will prove ample to keep the cow 

 and calf in thriving condition. If the dry forage consists of 

 non-leguminous plants only, such as prairie or timothy hay or 

 corn stalks, then a somewhat larger grain ration should be fed 

 and the proportion of linseed meal may be increased. Pro- 

 tection from the storms and rain must be provided. While a 

 common shed open to the south will serve where the mercury 

 seldom goes below zero, it is not sufficient in colder climates, 

 particularly if very moist. On the other hand, the quarters 

 must not be dark, damp, and poorly ventilated, as such is the 

 ideal place for the propagation of all kinds of calf ills. The 

 quarters should be measurably protected, well lighted, well 

 ventilated, and dry. Cows and calves thus cared for will come 

 through the winter in a thrifty and healthy condition. As on 

 pasture, the calves should be taught to eat grain as soon as 

 convenient and by all means at least one month before 

 weaning. 



The calf that is permitted to suckle its dam can be raised 

 with little extra care. It should have attention at birth to 

 see that the function of respiration is started, and that it gets 

 some of the first or colostrum milk of the dam. If the calf 

 scours badly, some of the dam's milk should be drawn off, 

 remembering that the last milk is richer in fat, and is the part 

 likely to cause the trouble. After the calf gets a start by proper 



