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 bac- 

 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 



