64 ILLINOIS STATE DAIRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION 



carefully selected bull of the same breed as the heifer and 

 be sure that the bull comes from a family of high producers. 

 It is recommended that the heifer be bred so as to freshen 

 in the fall, as less trouble, is experienced with calves in 

 cold weather if properly sheltered, and this will give the 

 advantage of having the cow freshen on dry feed. How- 

 ever, individual conditions should govern each case in this 

 regard. 



Don't Breed Too Young. 



The extent to which the heifer has developed should be 

 taken into consideration, but as a rule do not breed until 

 the heifer is at least as old as the following scale : 



Jersey 16 months Ayreshire 20 months 



Guernsey 18 months Holstein 22 months 



Feed Concentrate*. 



Keep the heifer in good, thrifty condition so she will 

 have less trouble in calving. If she is kept on dry feed it is 

 advisable to feed some concentrates, such as a ration of 

 two parts ground corn, one part bran or ground oats. 



A small amount of such ration will be all that will be 

 necessary to keep the heifer in good, thrifty condition, pro- 

 vided she is receiving a sufficient quantity of roughage, 

 such as ensilage and clover or alfalfa hay. Plenty of good 

 water is essential at all times. 



Calving Rules. 



When the heifer nears calving time, see that her bowels 

 are working properly. If she shows any signs of consti- 

 pation, it is best to give her a dose of raw linseed oil or 

 other laxative of recognized worth. 



She should not be disturbed when calving unless it 

 becomes apparent that assistance is necessary. It is very 

 important that calving should take place if not on pasture 

 in a clean, well-bedded box stall. 



Bear in mind that after calving the vitality of the cow is 

 low and luke warm water should be given her to drink for 



