The Stables 3 
Cleanliness is another very important factor, for the 
excrements of the animal body are not only injurious 
themselves, but they afford a breeding-place for bae- 
teria, and in the processes of decomposition give off 
noxious gases. The common practice of stabling ani- 
mals over manure-pits is not beneficial to the health 
of animals, however convenient it may be. Modern 
veterinary hygiene, both in theory and practice, fol- 
lows human hygiene very closely. In cases of doubt 
as regards hygienic or sanitary conditions, it is a good 
plan to put yourself in the animal’s place. Fig. 2, 
while interesting as a picture, shows some of the con- 
ditions to avoid. : 
The temperature of stables and barns is an important 
matter. Many modern stables are too warm; the old- 
time ones are likely to be too cold. Too high tempera- 
ture produces lassitude, reduces appetite and tends to 
breed germs. Too low temperature prevents the animal 
from making strong and continuous growth; the food 
energy that would otherwise go to the building up of 
the body is consumed in merely keeping warm. As 
a rule, a temperature of 45° to 50° is best for most 
animals in winter. 
FEEDING AND WATERING 
More animals are injured by overfeeding than by 
underfeeding. It is mistaken kindness to feed ani- 
mals merely because they will eat. Under ordinary 
conditions, animals should be given only sufficient 
food to keep them in fairly good flesh. Animals 
