OCR Text |
Show CARE AND FEED FOR COWS WHEN CALVING Cows that are to calve should be provided with a comfortable and well-headed well-headed box stall. It Is Imperative that the bowels are moving freely before be-fore calving time. Laxative feeds such as a mixture of two parts bran and oao part linseed meal should, be fed. If (he cow stW remains more or less constipated con-stipated give a drench of epsom salts, or a (lose of one quart of Unseed oil. A number of troubles which usually occur about calving time can be prevented pre-vented by proper feeding and care before be-fore freshening. During calving time the cow should not be disturbed except In the case of abnormal birth. During the first days after cnlvipg she must be protected pro-tected from cold and her drinking wa ter should be given at a luke-warm temperature. The vitality of the cow Is very low at this time, and careful and thorough herdsmanshlp Is necessary. neces-sary. The feed must be rather limited j In amount. Good quality legume hay, a little silage, and bran mashes make a satisfactory ration at this time. Wntch the high producing cow for milk fever, and If It occurs resort to the air treatment. A little time Is all that It takes to figure out a good balanced ration. It Pill be found to be a "ood Investment of time when the lnci-ased milk flow is measured. Cows In milk need plenty of protein and mineral matter. These can be obtained within the limits of economic production. A good cow is a good worker, and a good worker needs plenty to eat. Alfalfa hay at will, silage, and grain in accordance with the amount of milk given should be fed. Each cow should be fed Individually. A herdsman can estimate the amount of milk and the condition of the cow. The grain can be Increased as long as the milk flow Increases. If the cow starts to put on flesh. It Is an Indication of too much feed. Succulence Is necessary. This can be obtained by corn silage In winter and a permanent pasture In the summer. sum-mer. If the grain mixture Is too heavy a bulky feed like wheat bran or dried beet pulp should be added. B. W. Fairbanks, Colorado Agricultural College. |