DISEASES OF CATTLE 347 



after injection, second day, (5) interpretation of the tempera- 

 ture records. 



, It is very essential tliat the animals be well known or num- 

 bered, for in no case should they get mixed. It is not advisable 

 for the beginner to attempt to test more than twenty animals 

 at one time. 



Cattle suffering from such diseases as garget, retained 

 afterbirth, and the like, or those that are in heat or far along in 

 pregnancy, should not be tested. 



1. Keeping records. — An accurate record of each tempera- 

 ture must be kept. To do this procure a large sheet of paper, 

 writing the names or number of each animal down the left side, 

 and the hour at which the temperature is taken across the top. 

 As each temperature is taken, record it under the hour and op- 

 posite the name. 



2. Taking the normal temperature. — On account of the 

 variation in temperature it is essential to take the temperature 

 of each animal at intervals of two hours until at least four 

 temperatures are taken, before the tuberculin is injected. These 

 temperatures must be carefully recorded to compare with the 

 temperatures of the same cow after injection. After becoming 

 familiar with the method of reading the thermometer, shake it 

 down, smear it with vaseline and insert full length into the rec- 

 tum. Attach the thermometer to the base of the tail by means 

 of the clamp of wire, and allow to remain in the rectum for three 

 minutes. Withdraw the thermometer, read the temperature, 

 record on the sheet at once, shake the thermometer down, and 

 proceed as before. 



Because of the ease with which variations in temperature 

 are caused, it is important to keep the animals that are being 

 tested under normal conditions. They should be fed, watered, 

 and milked as usual. 



3. Injecting the tuberculin. — This is preferably done in the 

 evening, say eight hours before the time of milking in the morn- 



