836 VETEKINAEY HYGIENE 



bred stock, and by some other breeders; the calf being 

 allowed with the dam either to suck at pleasure where 

 the milk is no consideration, or to have access at regular 

 intervals. 



A cow can sometimes suckle two calves, especially if a 

 deep milker, and in this way the milk of another is available. 

 It is, however, generally considered best to combine milking 

 with suckling, as otherwise the cows may later on be difficult 

 to milk with the hand. 



In the case of heifers with a calf at foot, and not intended 

 to be added to the stock, the suckling process alone may be 

 followed, as milking by developing the udder would spoil 

 her sale in the fat stock market. 



The pure bred calf practically gets all the milk it needs, 

 though in some pedigree herds hand feeding is practised. 

 The calf remains with its dam for six or seven months 

 before weaning is adopted, and during that time it may 

 occupy a compartment in the same box, or be brought 

 regularly to the dam, or live with her constantly either in 

 the box or at grass, different systems being followed in 

 various herds. 



Weaning is no trouble when hand feeding is practised, 

 but in pure bred herds it must be prepared for between 

 the sixth and eighth month by feeding on artificial food, so 

 as not to have an abrupt transition. Gradually the amount 

 of milk must be reduced until the calf has access but once 

 a day, and then only after the udder has had some of its 

 milk removed. 



Linseed cake, hay and pulped mangels form an excellent 

 diet for a calf, and when properly established the weaning 

 process may be made complete. 



In the early management of calves, Stephenson* lays 

 great stress upon their breaking, which must be carried out 

 by a combination of care and firmness. The young animals 

 must be haltered, and tied up in such a way as not to hurt 

 themselves, for struggling is to be expected, and injury 

 prevented by a little forethought ; temper may be shown by 



* Op. cit. 



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