224 ILLINOIS STATE DAIRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION 



the grain mixture, incorporating from 1 to 2 pounds of salt 

 with each 100 pounds of concentrates. In addition, salt is 

 provided so that the cows can have access to it and take 

 more if they desire. Stock salt can be purchased in several 

 forms. In cake form, salt may be kept in each feed box 

 in the barn where the animal can lick it, or it may be placed 

 in convenient places in the lot or pasture. It should be in 

 some sheltered place, to prevent the rain from dissolving it. 



FITTING FOR SHOW 



The showing of dairy cattle is very common and serves 

 many useful purposes. It is a guide to more constructive 

 breeding and helps to familiarize breeders with the better 

 type of dairy cattle. Probably the most important reason 

 for showing is the advertising that it brings. To exhibit 

 widely is expensive and one should consider fully the ben- 

 efits as compared with the cost and effort. However, the 

 owner of a few cattle can exhibit at local shows and fairs 

 to advantage without much trouble and expense. The fol- 

 lowing suggestions are made for his guidance. 



1. Fitting cows for show should begin a year before the 

 exhibition, for only in that way can they be made to show 

 most advantageously. The cows can then be selected and 

 bred so as to calve a short time before the first showing. By 

 this plan each cow is at her best, has a large udder, and has 

 had a few weeks in which to recover from freshening. 



2. With bulls and young heifers early preparation is 

 unnecessary. When animals are to be shown in classes 

 under 1 year of age, it is well to choose calves that were 

 born just after the date used in figuring age (usually Aug- 

 ust 1 and February 1) so that they may have the greatest 

 development. Large, growthy young animals always ap- 

 pear to better advantage in the show ring than smaller ones.^ 



3. Animals to be shown should be in good flesh, not 

 fat, but smoothly covered over all parts. Thin animals in 

 poor condition will be discriminated against in the ring. 

 No particular system of feeding is necessary for dairy an- 



