Fayetteville observer. [volume] (Fayetteville, Tenn.) 1850-1966, 1862-02-27
farm ann Garnsu.
Change Of Food for Stock.

anu especially In winter, oil ire
quent changes in the food of stock,
generally receives too little con-
sideration by the farmer. As we
gain moro. experience in winter
ing animals, we become more and
more convinced that their health
and strength are largely promoted
by careful attention to this partic-
ular. Change of pasture in sum-
mer we have found beneficial in
many ways, and a change of fod-
der In winter from one kind to an
either, seems to promote thrift by
increasing the appetite, thus irdu-
einga greater consumption of fool
and the better satisfaction OF the
animal.
On this point of satisfaction,
Flint's "Datry Farming tells of a
German agriculturist, who, after
experimenting for several years on
the feeding Of cows, says he found
"that to receive the full benefit
of its food, the animal must he
who!Iy sattstieP'-fully fed until
it desires nothing more. Nutri-
ton to keep the animal growth
? and functions unimpared, and bulk
to fill the stomach, are requisite
these supplied, the animal rumi-
mates with case until tie time ar
rives for its next supply. In our
own case, of the forage provided,
it is our object to induce our stock
to consume all they will without
waste-to fill themselves so that
they are satisfied and at ease for
the interval between each regular
feeding. To this end, and within
our limited reach, we find nothing
better than frequent changes in
the kind and quality of food--not
following a regular rotation, but
guided by the. weather, and the
changing tastes and appetites of
our animals.
We have cornstalks, clover hay,
timothy hay, and a mixture of
the two-also red top hay and a
straw-stack. Bean straw is also
included in our supply. A few
roots were grown, and we have the
usual coarse grains of the farm, as
well as faith in the economy Of
feeding them, if occasion requires;
but as yet, our fodder has sufficed
to keep up the condition of our
cattle and sheep, and the latter
have considerably improved since
brought to the yard. We had a
quantity of pumpkins, but they
are all consumed. An occasional
feed of roots, or Stop of bran OF
mixed meal, will take their place.
particularly with the mich cows
Twice tSy is a sufficient mum.
Der of times for giving out corn
stalks to cattle. Hay of different
kinds is given once or twice; oc-
casionally it is brined-ir thatcase
we use some cut two years ago,
and of an inferior quality. .lf
they do not fully consume any feed
given out, we change it for less
of something more palatable-
keeping in view economical com
sumption of fodder as well as thrift
Of stock. Sometimes they seem
less hungry than at others-ther
it is needful to give less-and i
will give profitable exercise t.
the Judgment Of any attentive
observing farmer, to take the per
sonal oversight of these things.
Sheep are benefited by change
of food as much or more than cat
tie. Clover hay is one of the
best liked feeds we can supply
but they eat this, even, with ;
better relish after a meal of bear
straw, of red-top hay, or a rul
with COWS on cornstalks. Fo
wheat and oat straw and chaff, as (
change. they seem to have an es