THE DAIRY COW 145 



more muscle and gland cells to do the work for which the cow 

 is kept. 



Size. — The matter of size in dairy cattle is of importance. 

 A large cow is a large machine and can do more work than a 

 small cow. To be sure, a large cow requires more for main- 

 tenance than a small cow, but her relative maintenance re- 

 quirement is no larger and possibly is smaller. A large cow 

 can be sheltered and cared for cheaper considering her product 

 than a small one. When cows or their offspring are sold for 

 beef, size is a matter of considerable importance. Taking all 

 these things into consideration, a large cow is worth more than 

 a small one of equal quality, conformation, etc. 



A cow should also have a long slim tail, straight legs, and 

 good feet, a large strong mouth and large open nostrils. 

 The value of all these points are self-evident. 



SHELTER FOR COWS 



In summer, except possibly in the most northerly countries, 

 the cattle should be supplied with shade. The kind of shade 

 that is best perhaps is large trees on a hill or knoll in an open 

 field. Here the cattle can be out of the hot sun and be where 

 the circulation of air is the best. If this kind of an environ- 

 ment cannot be had, the next best thing should be provided. 

 This may be either shade from trees in a grove, timber lot or 

 natural forest, an artificial shed built for shade or even access 

 to a barn. 



There should also be protection from cold rain and cold 

 winds in the spring and fall. A shed or barn will answer 

 the purpose for this. For protection from winds there is 

 nothing better than a timber lot or section of forest. 



The Dairy Barn.- — A barn is necessary in winter to help 

 maintain body temperature in the cow. The cow has a 

 temperature of about 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the 

 same in winter as in summer. In the summer it is the problem 

 of the animal body to get rid of excess heat resulting from 

 internal work. In the winter a barn is necessary to prevent 

 loss of heat too rapidly. Under such conditions, the cows 

 can use their feed for making milk, while if they are obliged 



10 



