DISEASES OF CATTLE 351 



different care takers. Since calves at birth are free from tubercu- 

 losis, those from the diseased herd may be put with those from 

 the sound herd. No animals should be admitted to the sound 

 herd without first being tested and the sound herd itself should 

 be tested once each year , and if any animals react, they are to be 

 put with the diseased herd and the stable thoroughly disin-' 

 fected with corrosive sublimate. 



If dairy cattle, the milk from the tuberculous herd must be 

 handled in entirely separate utensils and pasteurized at 185° F., 

 after which it is considered harmless both for stock and human 

 food. 



This method, though it involves much expense, seems to be 

 the only feasible one for the eradication of bovine tuberculosis. 

 It is being successfully conducted on several farms in this coun- 

 try at the present time. The painstaking and careful cattle 

 owner can eradicate tuberculosis from his herd in a very few 

 years by the Bang method, or some modification, if he so desires. 



BLOATING IN CATTLE 



Bloating, or "hoven, " is the distention of the paunch or 

 rumen with gas. It is hable to occur when cattle are first 

 turned to young clover or alfalfa, especially if the growth is 

 rank, as they eat it so greedily that gas formation results. 

 Turnips, potatoes, and cabbage may likewise set up fermenta- 

 tion, which proceeds rapidly; the gas does not escape, and 

 soon the rumen becomes distended to a large size. Bloating 

 is easily recognized by the distension of the rumen, particu- 

 larly on the left side, that part bulging outward and upward 

 very noticeably, and when struck with the tips of the fingers, 

 giving a drum-like sound. Breathing is very difiicult, the animal 

 reels, and soon may lie down or fall. 



The treatment varies according to the severity of the case. In 

 mild attacks, driving the animal at a walk often gives relief, or 

 dashing cold water by the bucketful against the sides may suffice. 



