The Beef Calf. 



11 



lid that will close tight to keep out chickens, rats, and other animals. 

 Arrange in a convenient place a small box in which to keep salt at 

 all times. 



A fork will be needed to keep the stall clean and to handle hay or 

 other roughages. A large basket Avithout a handle will be convenient 

 to use in weighing and feeding the silage. 



Other items of equipment needed in caring for the calf are curry- 

 comb, brush, coarse-tooth comb, burlap blanket, halter, and clippers 

 or shears for trimming hair. A ver}^ strong, cheap, and serviceable 

 halter, one w^hich every boy should be able to make, is shown in 

 figure 5. To make the halter use from 12 to 14 feet of f-inch 

 manila rope ; sharpen a hardwood stick, called a marlinspike," as 

 illustrated, to separate the strands. The different steps in making 

 the halter are shown in the figure. 



KEEPING THE CALF HEALTHY. 



Most calf ailments are due to improper feeding or insanitary con- 

 ditions, or both. Keep the calf out of cold rains in Avinter as much 

 as possible, and provide a dry, Avell-bedded stall at night. Provide 

 nature's tonics — exercise, sunshine, pure air, abundance of fresh 

 water, and a variety of feeds, and there will be little need for med- 

 ical attention. It is not for the purpose of curing diseases that these 

 suggestions are offered, but to prevent their occurrence. Observe the 

 calf closely at all times. If it should appear drowsy, feverish, stiff, 

 or sluggish, act quickly. Reduce feed at once and the disorder may 

 be in a large measure prevented. Keep salt before the calf at all 

 times. An abundant supply of fresh water should be available 

 always. Some of the commoner ailments only are briefly discussed 

 here, with a few suggestions for first-aid treatment. In case of seri- 

 ous illness consult a competent veterinarian at once. Do not delay. 



Constipation. — Occasionally when the newborn calf fails to get 

 the colostrum or first milk from the coav its bowels remain inactive, 

 and the meconium (first droppings) are retained, which causes con- 

 stipation. An enema or injection of 1 quart of warm water in which 

 1 teaspoonful of common baking soda or one-half teaspoonful of 

 common salt has been dissolved will usually give relief. Use a 

 syringe or allow the solution to gravitate through a small rubber 

 hose or funnel. Two tablespoonfuls of castor oil may be given, 

 and repeated if necessary. 



The solid droppings of an older calf should be observed daily. 

 If they appear extremely solid, the animal is constipated or fever- 

 ish. With older calves this condition may be relieved in most cases 

 by promptly providing plenty of Avater, by reducing the grain and 

 dry roughage and substituting a more laxati\^e ration. A small 



