The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1871-12-02
RAISING CALVES FOR MIXERS.

1t is not sufficient that we save all the
good calves from the knife of the butcher,
but we must give them wise and .judicious
treatment. Having chosen the animals to
DC raised, it is necessary to feed with gen
erosity, and at the same time with caution,
that well-built frame may be established.
\ young animal intended for the dairy may
be spoiled in the outset by improper feed
ing; or one that has been mistakenly
selected, will take on fat in spite of all
care, and may be discarded. 1t is not fat
that we want. We want growth of bone
and muscle, and all fattening food must be
avoided. Good pasture through the sum-
mer, and feed of which wheat or rye bran
aud buclwheat meal are the principal con-
sttuents, are all that are needed. besides a
regular supply of salt and free access to
water. At the season when pasturing is
over, the period has arrived which makes
or mars the young beast. The cold rains
and piercing winds Of autumn have arrived,
and one exposure to them will give the calf
a check which can be overcome only with
much care. No young animal should be
permitted to suffer from cold or wet to
such an extent that its back is drawn
upwards like bow. When this occurs,
dangerous effects will surely follow
these evil effects. Laxative food, with
warm drinks and dry, warm quarters, will
prevent hide bound and loss of condition,
which would hinder growth throughout
the whole of the ensuing winter. Proven
ton would be the wiser course; therefore,
let proper shelter be prepared in time
This should be closed against piercing
winds, and have roof that will shed rain,
open to the sun on the southern side, and
with good ventilation. No expensive shell
ter is required. When colder weather has
arrived, and a new drain is made on the
system to retain the animal heat, more fat
tcning food is required, and half-pint of
oilmeal or cotton seed meal may be fed in
addition to the other feed. We have ALWAYS
fed our calves, for convenience sake, in the
same manner as our cows; had them SINH
larly tied in stalls, and the feed prepared
for the whole stock was given to them in
proportionate rations. We have found
that three calves would consume an equal
amount with one cow, In addition each
calf has been fed a daily ration of half a
pint of wheat bran, with half a pint of
oil or cotton seed meal, and small guam
tity of salt. Feeding thus, we have had
no difficulty in bringing our heifers into
profit at two years old. Having passed
through the winter thus cared for, the heif-
ers will come out in the Spring thrifty and
in a growing condition, and when turned
on to the grass In the spring will push right
along. During this time, and until thew
come in, no falling off in care should be |
permitted, and during the second winter it
must be remembered that new draft is |
made on the still growing animal that must |
be abundantly met, Feed rich in phos- |
pilates, such as course bran, should be we'll |
supplied, as well as such stimulating feed |
as corn meal, and laxative feed like oil |
meal. During the three months previous |
to calving, the future milking qualities of |
the COW are formed and, as matter of |
precaution, this period should be put off |
until grass has become the main feed. No
action is likely to take place
while the animal is fed mainly on grass,
and care and judgment must be exercised,
as the important crisis approaches, that the
system shall be in as natural state as DOS
sible, all exciting feed being gradually
for q few weeks before the beifer
produces her calf. When this event OCCURS
and all is well, the feed may be gradually
restored and increased according to circum-
In raising mich cows, we aim to build
up a healthy frame and sound constitution,
with facility for turning a large supply of
food into corresponding amount of milk
)r cream, and when we have raised an ami
nal that is able to do this, and also able to
the same qualities to her offspring,
Ve have good COW; and her calves are
rorthy Of good care.-Amer. Aorieul.urist, |