160 Veterinary Elements. 



pregnancy, namely, slowness of action, enlargement of 

 the belly and of the udder, presence of milk in the udder, 

 and movements of the fetus in the dam, the latter being 

 shown after feeding or drinking, especially of cold water. 

 During the period of gestation (carrying the young) the 

 treatment of the dam should be natural, plenty of exer- 

 cise, not of a violent character, good nutritious food, 

 easily digested and of a slightly laxative nature; no 

 mouldy, spoiled food or grasses with ergot or smut on 

 should be used. The drinking water should be pure and 

 not ice cold, the stables should be clean and free from 

 odors, pregnant mares seem to be very easily affected by 

 smells. Mares should have light work towards the end 

 of the pregnancy, and should not be used to saddle or 

 asked to back loads or work in slippery places at that 

 time. Kindness should be the only treatment meted 

 out, together with plenty of pure air and exercise, with 

 an avoidance of fattening as far as possible, and by so 

 doing keep the muscular system in good tone; if too much 

 succulent food is given ewes with lamb the lambs are 

 apt to come soft and flabby. Ho purgatives (except to 

 cows liable to milk fever) should be given to pregnant 

 animals and surgical operations should be postponed 

 until after delivery. Mares may be worked safely right 

 up to foaling, I have myself done so, removing mares 

 from the harness to bring forth strong, healthy foals. 

 Cows are usually dried about six weeks before the time 

 of calving. The careful stockman will have in his breed- 

 ing book the date at which gestation will be expected to 

 end, and for a short time previous to that time the dam 

 should be given a clean, roomy, well bedded box. 



