FOOD 127 



There are many grass lands employed entirely for the 

 fattening of cattle ; the latter are bought in the spring of 

 the year, and fattened off during the summer. Whilst at 

 pasture they receive 2 lbs. to 4 lbs. of oil-cake daily, or a 

 certain amount of grain. Care is taken not to overstock 

 the pastures, and the animals are constantly shifted to 

 afford a fresh bite ; rich pastures should be reserved for 

 animals full in flesh. Sheep, from biting closer and 

 picking out the sweetest herbage, should not as a rule bo 

 pastured with cattle. 



To put poor animals on rich pastures at once is a serious 

 mistake, their system must be gradually accustomed to the 

 change in food or disease will result. The owner of good 

 rich grazing would not therefore buy animals in very low 

 condition, but look for something with more flesh on it. 

 With good pastures and suitable cattle, fattening can be 

 carried out in a few months on grass alone with the addi- 

 tion of three or four pounds of cake a day. When the 

 grazing fails they may be finished with hay, meal, cake, 

 and roots. 



With impoverished ' store ' cattle it is obvious the process 

 of fattening will take longer. If they are purchased in the 

 spring they are turned out on to suitable pastures which 

 renovate their systems, and get them ready for winter 

 finishing off. The management of stock on pastures is not 

 a matter to be neglected, and will be dealt with later (see 

 Pastures). 



Soiling is advocated as a more economical means of 

 feeding and fattening, with less destruction of the pastures. 

 The animals should be practically unlimited in the amount 

 given, but no waste should occur if the process is intended 

 to be economical. The green food, when brought home, 

 should not be allowed to lie in a heap, or fermentation will 

 occur. For further details see Soiling. 



As the grass fails the stock is gradually drafted into 

 yards or elsewhere for winter feeding, beginning by taking 

 up those in the most advanced condition, and gradually 

 bringing in the others, so that by the end of October all the 



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