96 
Management of Aberdeen Angus Cattle. 
In England, on the other hand, we breeders have to consider the 
rules of the “ Royal,” which dates the birth of calves from 
January 1, and so we arrange to have our calving season to 
commence after that date. 
Up to a few days before calving the cows may remain in 
their stalls in the byre, always, of course, provided that the stalls 
are long enough and wide enough to allow the animals to have 
plenty of room when they lie down — an important consideration 
when cows are heavy in calf. For calving, the cow should be 
taken from the byre, and isolated either in a box or stall ; and 
if two cows are due to calve at about the same time, they may 
be put together. In no case should a cow be allowed to calve 
in a byre amongst other in-calvers ; the act of parturition sets 
up an undesirable amount of excitement amongst the other 
occupants, which in some sympathetic animals may even bring 
on premature calving. 
Calving. 
The time occupied in the act of parturition varies consider- 
ably ; in some cases it is quickly completed, in others it may be 
protracted and delayed for hours. In the generality of cases 
little or no trouble is experienced, but instances do occur when 
the situation is an anxious and a serious one. In all cases there 
is a golden rule to observe : Give the cows time — do not interfere 
unless it is absolutely necessary. Premature interference, or 
trying to get the calf away before all the parts are perfectly pre- 
pared, has caused the loss of many calves, and even the cow, if 
not also lost, is often seriously injured. 
In protracted cases it is wise to make a careful examination 
in order to see that all is right. If this proves satisfactory, give 
the cow more time, but if, on the other hand, it is not satis- 
factory, then send for veterinary aid at once. 
Parturition being completed, we must next look after the 
calf. It is a general custom to attempt to dry the young crea- 
ture by rubbing it with wisps of hay or straw, but the operation 
is much more perfectly performed by the rough, warm tongue of 
the cow. Besides, she likes to do it, and the operation is bene- 
ficial to both ; it is Nature’s way, and it has a satisfying and 
soothing effect upon the cow, and allays any excitability of 
temper that may have resulted from her calving. 
Aberdeen Angus calves are very precocious, and it is aston- 
ishing how soon they are on their feet and helping themselves 
to the teat. 
There are different systems adopted for rearing calves, but 
