FORTY-FIRST ANNUAL CONVENTION 265 



Raising a Calf Without Milk. 



It has been found possible by careful handling to raise 

 calves without milk after three or four weeks old. Such calves 

 are usually badly stunted but may recover from the effects to 

 some extent if well fed in later life. It is not practical to raise 

 calves in this way. 



Care of the Dairy Heifer. 



Although the first few months of the heifer's life is the most 

 critical period of her existence, still many heifers are stunted, 

 due to lack of attention after being weaned. 



The Effect of Time of Birth on Growth. 



It is a rather common practice to have cows calve In the 

 spring, yet this is not usually the best time. It is a fact that a 

 calf born in the fall will get a better start in life than one born 

 in the spring. 



It makes little difference in the rate of growth of a calf 

 whether it has pasture or has only dry feed in connection with 

 its milk. But after weaning time the calf that has pasture will 

 make by far the cheaper and more rapid growth. A fall calf 

 will also be ready for breeding so that it will drop its own calf 

 in the fall at the age of about two years. 



Furthermore, a cow will give best returns when freshening 

 in the fall. This is true because it is usually easier to maintain a 

 steady flow of milk through the winter and early spring than 

 during the summer and fall. Also, dairy products demand high- 

 est prices during the winter. 



Feeding. 



Until a calf is weaned it receives a liberal allowance of pro- 

 tein in its milk, but when milk is removed from the ration it is 

 necessary to supply protein in some other form, such as legume 

 hay or a high protein concentrate. It is advisable to keep the 



