BBEEDING DAIRY CATTLE 251 



If detached membranes cover the air passage, remove them. 

 Wiping out the nose deeply with a feather, or even with the 

 finger, excites sneezing and starts breathing. Blowing violently 

 into the nose and mouth has a similar effect. Slapping the 

 chest with the palm of the hand or with a towel dipped in cold 

 water is good to start breathing. 



As soon as the cow has recovered from the shock of giving 

 birth, she should tend the calf, for it will be physically bene- 

 fited thereby. If she refuses to lick and caress her calf, a little 

 flour sprinkled over the back of the latter will often attract her 

 to it. Should she still refuse, the calf must be dried with a cloth 

 or wisp of straw, and if necessary, assisted to get its first meal. 



It is especially important for the calf that it get the first or 

 colostrum milk of the dam. This milk is rich in mineral matter 

 and ash, is a powerful laxative, and is effective in removing the 

 fecal matter from the alimentary canal, and in addition serves 

 as a tonic. The calf should be allowed to suck the dam a few 

 times ; some recommend until the milk is fit for human con- 

 sumption, usually about the eighth or ninth milking, while others 

 recommend separating them on the second day, providing the 

 calf is strong and the cow's udder in good shape, as the cow is 

 more easily reconciled to the separation, and the calf can be 

 taught to drink more easily than if it has sucked the cow for 

 some time. If, however, the calf is weak, it is better to have 

 it with the cow, as it will feed oftener and grow stronger ; or if 

 the cow's udder is inflamed, the calf will help to bring it back 

 to the proper condition. The calf may be placed in a near-by 

 pen and in sight of the dam, as it is thought she will be less ex- 

 cited and not attempt to "hold up" her milk. 



Feeding the dairy calf. — On account of the high price of milk 

 it becomes necessary to feed the dairy calf by hand. This calls 

 for extra labor and sometimes entails extra difficulties, but if 

 proper precautions are taken, these may in a large measure be 

 avoided. 



