322 MANUAL OF FARM ANIMALS 



FARMS FOR FATTENING CATTLE 



While cattle feeding may be conducted on any farm, there 

 are two general types of farms on which it is likely to prove 

 the more profitable. First, grain farms that grow large quan- 

 tities of dry forage incidental to the grain and which would be 

 otherwise largely wasted; second, pasture farms, where for 

 some reason grain cannot be successfully grown and where 

 the land is suitable for pasture. 



EQUIPMENT FOR SUMMER FEEDING 



In considering the profits likely to result from steer feeding, 

 among the first items to be taken into account is the equip- 

 ment. While the equipment for beef production is not nearly 

 as extensive as for milk production, there are, nevertheless, a 

 few necessities to be provided. Since the equipment for sum- 

 mer feeding on pasture differs from that of winter feeding in 

 the dry-lot, each will be considered separately. 



The necessary equipment for summer feeding on pasture 

 consists of the pasture, the feeding-boxes or bunks, water, 

 shade, and salt. 



Pasture. — The importance of properly managed pastures 

 cannot be overestimated. The general management, such as 

 the importance of a good stand of grass ; of keeping down the 

 weeds ; of providing suitable drainage ; of top dressing with 

 barnyard manure when convenient; and of not turning to 

 pasture too early in the spring, was discussed on pages 284 to 

 289. It was there shown that many pastures that are now 

 supporting one animal to three or four acres could, with very 

 little extra care, be made to support an animal to the acre with- 

 out feed in addition, or two animals to one acre by the use 

 of additional feed, such as is commonly practiced in the beef- 

 producing localities of the central West. 



