On Abortion in Cows. 



65 



numerous cases, illustrating the epizootic character which abor- 

 tion sometimes assumes. We may especially refer to the state- 

 ments of M. Barruel, V.S., in the " Journ. Theor, et Prat.," 

 1832; to Chabert, in the *' Instructions Veterinaires," in which 

 publication we are informed (torn. vi. pp. 130, 131, 137) that in 

 1782 the cows of Granvilliers aborted in consequence, it was 

 supposed^ of the heat of the preceding summer. The cows in 

 Beaulieu aborted in 1789, in consequence, it was supposed, of the 

 wet weather. In 1784 all the pregnant cows and mares aborted 

 at Chalons ; and the cows at BournonviUe did the same in 1787. 



In every season, and under every variety of circumstance, 

 there are occasional cases of abortion met with in particular 

 stocks of cows ; but if there be a continued recurrence of this 

 year after year in the same place (as is unhappily often the case), 

 we may generally find it connected with some local cause. A 

 cow which has cast her calf one season, is very likely to do the 

 same in the pregnancy or year succeeding. If several cows 

 among a stock have cast calf nearly at the same time, and if, on 

 again becoming pregnant, they are allowed to remain together 

 and in company with other pregnant cows, it very generally 

 happens that for the most part they not only abort again, but 

 more of their companions, advanced to about the same period of 

 gestation, will slip calf likewise. Next year, if no precautions 

 are taken, matters become worse ; and in a few seasons more, 

 abortion to a destructive and uncontrollable extent is the pest of 

 the farm. Where this state of things has existed for years toge- 

 ther, it is not an uncommon circumstance to find that the farmer 

 will entertain the most absurd opinions regarding its causes and 

 continuance. As a means of prevention, he will nail horseshoes 

 over the doors of his cowhouses ; bury the aborted calves with 

 great ceremony, and under the observance of mysterious incanta- 

 tions ; keep goats among his stock, or not allow his cows to take 

 bull unless under a favourable " sign of the moon." A man 

 who has observed a disease making yearly a steady and destructive 

 progress among his cattle, who never adopts a single effective 

 precaution which science and right reason suggest to prevent its 

 extension, is just the person to fall a victim to dangerous and even 

 superstitious ideas. 



Abortion occurs among animals of all ages, and though some- 

 times most common in those pregnant for the first time, it is, on 

 the whole, quite as frequent among cows which have had two or 

 three calves. An animal which does not become in calf until she 

 is four or five years of age, is more subject to abortion than if she 

 took the bull earlier. Bake well, the eminent breeder, was in 

 the habit of delaying putting his cows to the bull until they were 

 three years old, and many of them failed to carry their calves. 



VOL. XII. " F 



