Fayetteville observer. [volume] (Fayetteville, Tenn.) 1850-1966, 1854-10-19
CIR furlner.
Bone-Sickness in Cows.

country Gentleman:
In your paper Of a recent date |
perceive an inquiry bv A. I. futile,
Of Enfield, to WHICH | deem it impor-
tant that correct answer should be
given, both for the qualification Of
that gentleman, anaAalso as affording
information important to all dairy far
mcrs on old lands.
Itappears that Mr.. I. COWS have
amorbid, sickly appetite for old bones;
that those affected With the disease,
gradually lose their flesh and be-
come poor; that, although they eat
well, they appear dumpish, stiff in
the joints, weak across the backs
SO much so that they can hardly
move. Mr.. T has graphically de-
scribed the symptoms Of 2 disease to
which mich cows, on old, worn out
pastures, are always liable; but he
has failed to give Information respec-
ting his land--Whether it is old or
recently cleared, and, if old, wheth-
er it has been long used for dairy
purposes, all of which is important
TO an intelligent answer TO his in
qniries.
In the absence of positive Inform
alton, | shall presume that his lands
have been long used for dairy
purposes. Indeed the single fact
that his COWS are thus affected, affords
strong, presumptive evidence that
his lands, both moving and pastures,
bet more especially the latter, ale
dairy-worn. sIf so, the bone-sick-
ness Of his cows is easily explained.
The remedy also may be easily point
ed out, and although its application
may be somewhat expensive, yet the
expense incurred will afford a paying
investment. The cause of the dis
case, its cure as now existing, and
the prevention Of the recurrence are
the points claiming attention.
1t should be recollected the COW
creates nothing; it is true also that
the grass creates nothing. Certain
inorganic substances exist In the soil,
among which are phosphate of lime,
potash, soda, common salt, gypsum,
SC. The grass ca mot create these
substances for itself. 1t can only
draw them from the soil. If they
exist abundantly in the soil, as in
most newly cleared lands, those
sweet, nutritious grasses, mostly val
ued by the EarmeT will grow luxuri-
autly; but if the soil do not contain
them, except in very minute portions,
AS in old dairy farms, then those nu-
tritious grasses will take their place.
But it so happens that the same
substances which are essential to the
sweet, nutritiousgras constitute the
essentials of milk. OF phosphate of
lime, for instance, two ounces are re-
quired for the elaboration of each
pail OF milk in the mysterious organ
ism of the COW; and several pounds
are carried off in the bones Of every
calf sold from the farm.
Phosphate Of lime is the proper
food for bones, but this cows bones
have been cheated out of that bone
growing and bone renovating sub
stance. She has the bOne-ssehiness.-
Never was a disease more appropri-
ately named. 1t is called 6one-sichc-
ness for two reasons; 1st, because it
is really disease of the bones, these
organs have fallen into an abnormal,
sickly state, and 81, because it is
manifested by an unnatural and, in
some cases, an almost rabid craving
for bones, so that the COWS afflicted
with it, as Mr.. I. says, will run for
a bone as if a dog we're after them
So much for the cause.
For the cure, the best prescription
is to remove the COWS to a good pas
ture, in which are plenty Of clover ard
other sweet grasses, if It's summer;
and to feed them, if it be winter, on
good, well cured hay from richly man
ured land. Such food will supply the
necessities ofthe milk-giving animal,
and will be likely to restore health.--I
If a change Of pasture could be had,
it would be well to soil the COWS on
grass cut from well MANFRED moving. |
1t would also be we'll to give them
bone dust, ashes, and salt. The lat
ter Of course, should always be with
in the reach Of COWS The two for
mer would tend to mitigate. and
might cure the disease. IF the three
were placed separately, the instinct
of the animals would be the best pos
sible guide which to take and which
to reject; for | suppose that no AMI
L