102 ILLINOIS STATE DAIRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION 



FEEDING THE DAIRY CALF. 



R. E. Caldwell. 



The individual charged with the feeding and care of 

 dairy calves should realize the truth of the old adage, "The 

 eye of the master fattens his cattle. " The importance of 

 the feeder's personal and intelligent attention in caring for 

 all classes of livestock cannot be over-emphasized. This is 

 especially true in the feeding of calves; in fact, few classes 

 of our domestic animals offer a more complicated problem 

 than does the young calf. It is worthy of note that success 

 usually follows the dairyman who appreciates the signifi- 

 cance of giving his individual attention to his calf herd. 

 The delicate digestive system of the growing calf calls for 

 the careful selection and frequent variation of rations to 

 satisfy its changing needs. The average calf is naturally a 

 healthy animal and any departure from this condition has a 

 specific cause. It is the herdsman's duty to endeavor to cor- 

 rectly diagnose any abnormalities affecting his calf herd 

 and to strive to maintain ideal conditions as regards both 

 feed and environment. 



Care of New-born Calf and Dam. 



Immediately upon birth the responsibility for the well- 

 being of the cow and the calf passes into the hand of the 

 attendant in charge. It is important that he possess de- 

 tailed knowledge regarding how to proceed in the matter 

 of caring for them. Such a person should fully appreciate 

 how necessary it is that the calf promptly establish the 

 use of its vital functions. 



If the calf is breathing normally and is not exposed in 

 unsafe or improperly sheltered surroundings, both calf and 

 mother should be allowed to remain undisturbed for a time. 

 The cow will soon turn her attention to the calf and lick 

 its entire body. If she fails to do this the calf should be 

 wiped dry with a clean cloth or bright straw. In 30 or 40 



