Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1873-02-05
WINTRRING CATTLE.
CHURCH HILL, Jan. %. 1873

mu0lCale IuEOuSu yOuI paper lew
practical thoughts to those of its many
readers who are interested in the win
ter management of cattle. 1 have
been in the practice of feeding stock
for years-in fact, ever since 1 have
been able to tie up a steer. have
sometimes fed for and to profit; some
times as a matter of course, or to keep
my hand in, sometimes to keep from
losing, if possible, on the stock on
hand, and always with pleasure when
1 was making money by it. And,
somehow or another, by tine blessing
of the Lord, 1 have by the cattle busi-
ness obtained my bread and dinner.
and "saIted" something down for
future use. Although cattle-feeding
in this section of the country is rela-
lively, yet the aggregate amount of
feed consumed is an item, and the
knowledge how to dispose of it to
stock with economy and profit, is a
matter worthy of consideration.
Then, first in order: When is the
time to hand out to stock dry feed +?
Just the time when the pasture is not
sufficient in quantity or quality to
keep the stock gaining, or at least
holding their own. I have observed
that elderly dry cows on good frosted
pasture will do well, when two and
three year old steers would fan away
on the same. When we commence in
the fall of the year to feed cattle while
on pasture, we must continue it regu-
larly, for the stock will look for it, and
be restless if not fed.
Secondly, in commencing to stable
stock, if the weather is not severe,
put them in late in the afternoon, but
in plenty Of time to have everything
fixed right in the light of the day.
Put in a little extra bedding, give
plenty of ventilation, and something
that they will relish to eat. Gauge
the quantity of grain so that you can
increase it for the first ten days, and
for the same length of time turn out
early, so that they will not have to
stand too lobg on the hard floor, con-
fined before they are Injured to 1t. If
practicable, let the stall that the ami
NAL first occupies be his until turning
out in the spring; for every creature
under the heavens wants to feel that
he has a home and place of his own.
The time for feeding in the morn
ing is Just after it is clear daylight I;
and if you feed grain or roots, let this
Re given first
1st-Because, if the bullock is to be
fed heavy with grain, he does not
want 10 be filled with all the hay that
be can hold before he is fed grain. If
grain is to be fed in small quantities,
he wants that little to whet his appe-
tite to eat with relish the rough feed
OF hay. -....
I'd Because, that as cattle are more
fond of grain than hay, they are more
likely to be disturbed from anything
like intimations of their grain being
given them, and this is often the case
when no grain is to be fed at that time.
Let the hay be given them immedi-
ately after the stock has disposed of
the grain. .. ...--.
Thirdly, the time to turn out: This
will depend entirely on circumstances
the length of the days, the state of
the weather. and the quarters of COM
fort or discomfort while out but uni.
formity in this, as well as regularity
in feeding as to time and amount, are
necessary considerations. Usually in
the winter, IL the cattle have a COM
Portable place while out, let them out
about half past ten but if the weather
is unusually severe, let them remain
in the stable an hour or two later, so
that they will be disposed to drink at
once; and as soon as the stables are
cleaned let them be putin immediate
ly. Stir up the hay if any be left in
the manger; if not aGd little fresh.
Then, all quiet until the evening feed
ing, which, in the winter, and the
usual time for putting in the cattle, is
about half past three. If the cattle
are to remain out any length Of time,
clean out all the managers of all that is
left of hay or sediment; put it in
clean place-if practicable, on the sod
or ground, so that the stock may select
that which they like. and by these
means the air can freshen it: and it
is surprising how stock will take hold
of hay thus thrown out. Perhaps
some of the cattle have not had quite
enough in the morning feed, ana this
will be the time to make up that de-
fciency.
The comfort of the stock must be
studied in relation to feeding, water
ing, stabling, and the place occupied
by them while out of the stall The
comfort of the stable takes in the idea
of the best means of tying them or
them in their places, room,
and good bedding; for |
comfort brings contentment, and this |
cannot be if an animal is dry, hungry, |
cramped for room or cold, or insuffi-
cient ventilation. .-
have not had much experience in
the feeding of roots. l feed corn
ground in the ear, and if 1 grind shell |
corn, I alwaysmix with bran half and |
half by measure and to my mileh |
cows, grain, bran, and as many other
good things as are at hand. Fuel for
IRE and feed for stock must be regu
lated according to the weather. Corn
being OF a heating nature, in extreme
cold more should be added. To feed
stock right, a man wants to be as reg
lar as clOck-work, and variable as the
weather. One of the great points in
feeding cattle is to feed according to
The weather. /
In feeding cattle stack hay, 1 like
plenty of old pasture, so that in a
warm, wet spell there need not be
much feed thrown out TO be trodden
under foot. I think stock of all kinds
IAN be fed with more economy by
giving some grain daily, than by hay
alone. That is to say, if had two
and a half tons of hay for a milch
cow, would sell one ton to obtain
bran, and the half ton to obtain corn
meal. If I had two tons for a steer, 1
would sell q half ton of it to buy corn
ground in the ear for him. ~.,
Turning out in the spring should
be done early. Feed little grain and
all the hay the animal desires for the
iTst ten days on the pasture.
Stock well Wintered is half sum-
nered. Ny theory l., If you wish to
get anything out OF stock you must
Out something in. An experienced
sheep feeder was once inquired OF If 1t
paid to feed sheep? His reply was,
. 1t will not pay to starve Them"
With regard to the amount of feed
or each herd of cattle: This will de
pend upon the capacity of each, as
,ome demand more than others eve
" animal wants to be fed up TO his
capacity tc eat. As rule, feed for q
steer a half bushel of corn
ground in the ear every twenty-four
lours feed twice day, a peck at
ZACH feed, and give all the hay the an
NAL wants. If the animal is to have
no grain, or have it light, let him
nave all the hay he can eat, usually
lbout twenty TO twenty-five pounds
- - z. KLINE.