The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1862-11-14
THE CALIFORNIAN.
Mich Cows in Fall and Winter.

Milking. except for short period after the
birth of a calf, is altogether an artificial pro-
cess Nature intended animals to Weld milk
only while i. should be necessary for the sus-
tenance of the young; but by long training,
artificial habits have been induced. and the
flow of milk is prolonged for months, and
even for years, after the natural period mas
passed. Partly for this reason, no secretion /
of the COW is more easily affected by treat
ment of the animal Any arrangement of
health. insufficient food, or bodily discomfort
at once shows its effect in the decreased
quantity and quality of the milk. 1t should
also be bornein mind that the continued flow
ofmilk beyond the natural period is no small
drain upon the vital functions Of an animal,
and this should be counterbalanced by extra
stimulus in the form Of good nourishing
food, and whatever care is necessary to keep
up the health of the COW to the highest STAN
dard.
~ lEIS SIuSOil vi TIE }cdi 'h"hSc WI ioo'
j. necessary. Long before the pastures are
entirely despoeh ofverdure, the grasses NIP
ned by repeated fros,s lose much of their un
'rment. Though cows may gather their fill,
It is Of poorer quality, and the yield Of milk
speedily suffers. \ daily allowance of bran.
shorts, or ground feed of rye and ats,or two
thilds oats with one third corn, will supply
the lack Of nourishment, and show itself,with
good interest added, in the milk pail. This
feed should be wet before using. We prefer
it to feeding with hay, for the reason that
nourishment, more than buk,is needed ;they
can pick up enough partly withered grass to
fill their stomachs. This extra allowance
should not be delayed until the animal is suf-
fering from insufficient food. 1t is far easier
to keep COW in good condition, than to
bring her up after falling off.
Pumpkins are usually fed out first, upon
failure of the pastures. If it be practicable
to keep them uninjured until later in the sea-
son, it would be better. They come in best
when dry hay and stalks are the staple diet,
and something more succulent is craved and
needed. 1t il best to remove the seeds from
pumpkins they are an active diuretic, and
many believe that they divert to urine fluids
which would form milk.
ANY person who has been long confined to
a single article Or two of food, say to salt
beef and potatoes, knows how the appetite
Graves change. The grcediness with which
cows lay hold of turnips, mangel wurzels, Or
other roots in winter, proves that they. too,
relish variety, and in the case of healthy ami
mails, appetite is a safe guide in the selection
Of food. Even if roots We're lacking.in nu-
trment, an occasional allowance of them to
cattle would be beneficial.
Observe strict regularity in the time of
feeding. If meals are regularly served, ami
mails will patiently wait the appointed time ;
otherwise, they will be restless and uneasy
while looking for supplies and ravenous when
fed.
The importance of comfortable, well yenti-
lated shelter for mich COWS is yet greatly I'M
derrated, despite all that has been written
and said. A large part of the food eaten is
consumed in furnishing warmth to the ami.
nal. Thus, good shelter is equivalent to a
large percentage Of food. Besides the actual
loss of food from the increased amount re-
qaired under exposure to cold, there is fur
Their loss III milk from the feeling Of discom-
fort. The Secre,ions ae always distured by
influences that cause pain or uneasiness, and
every SILVER of haf-lrozen COW will make
itself visible in the milk pail.
In their anxiety to secure warmth, many
have overlooked the importance of pure air
Close, crowded stables, reeking with odors
from accommodating manure, produce feverisi
restleSsness in the COWS, and the flow of milk
suffers. At best confinement during thu
winter months is irksome to animals, ant
kindness to hrutcs, as well as profit. de
mands that everything practicable should b,
done = secure their lmfort -Amcricoa ia
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