Buchanan County bulletin. [volume] (Independence, Iowa) 1869-1891, 1876-01-21
Comfort of Farm Stock.

Does the average farmer realize the
real import of this one word, com
fort, as applied to the various animals
of the farm, and especially Of that
most useful of all others, the COW
Is there forethought to keep them
comfortable during the cold and
storms of a rigorous winter, when
they depend upon man so much more
than at other seasons? The animal
which is of the greatest profit to its
owner, which increases most in bulk
or flesh, gives the most milk or does
the most work, is that one Of easy
disposition in comfortable circum-
stances. The profit and interest OF
all farmers and stock owners would
be promoted, as well as kindness en-
gendered, by studying to promote the
comfort of our stock. There are a
variety of ways in which this may be
done to the economizing of our own
profit. The few following hints may
serve as guide to others:
FIRST in the list would place reg
ularity III everything, especially in
feeding and watering. When stock
are fed at irregular intervals they
consume more, with less profit to
themselves or their owner; they are
constantly on the lookout for a new
supply, and a constant uneaslness is
tn result. When there is stated
hour for feeding, and regularity and
punctuality are strictly observed, the
animals appetite is regulated in ac-
cordance; the TODD is taken with a
relish, and when eaten the stock are
under no anxiety till the next feeding
hour comes around. Instead Of un-
easlness, there is 4 Illuminating quiet
ness, which is always favorable to
good and perfect digestion and assim-
ilation. All animals (even the filthy
hog) are naturally clearly; therefore
they should be kept clean. Clean
illness is antagonistic to vermin lite,
as all vermln seem to thrive in filth.
Most animals are fond Of being card
ed and rubbed, when done gently;
this not only promotes cleanliness,
but also tends to keep the skin loose
and healthy, and the pores open and
free. The Office of the skin is to per-
form some OF the most important
functions of the body; through its
pores much matter is exuded that
otherwise might prove detrimental
to health. Therefore it becomes evil
dent that if the pores are clogged by
being covered with filth they cannot
perform their office and health suffers
accordingly. Keep all the animals
clean, then, by suitable bedding,
cleansing their stall and pens and by
carding, rubbing and washing where
necessary. a good bed Of dry litter,
straw, meadow-hay, sawdust or the
like, with well-ventilated, warm
stall or pen, promotes health wonde"-
fully, and also cleanliness of the ami
mal. Stalls, stables and pens need
frequent cleansing, daily at least, in
winter when occupied. Means must
be provided for conducting off all
liquid weddings where it may be used
as fertilizer of the soil. In pleasant
weather stock should be allowed to
spend a few hours i'll the open Air and
sun, as continued confinement to the
stall is irksome; sunshine is stimulat-
ing to all the natural functions, is
better than medicine and essential to
full health. Al stables should have
more Of it, especially til $50 for horses.
Kindness to animals in every re-
spcct is highly appreciated, apparent
ly, as among the human family, there
fore keep the animals IN good humor
yourself. The man who makes a
practice of judiciousIy fondling his
stock in the yard or stable, has a
more orderly, good-natnred stock
than he who cannot pass them by
without venting his spleen by a kick
or curse upon some poor, unoffend-
ing brute. In the one case the ami
mails are all rejolced to see him, and
are quiet among themselves, seldom
crowding each other, except as to
show their appreciation for their mas
ter and keeper; in the other case they
partake of the disposition of the mas
ter, are cross, hook and kick each
other; and instead of expressing
pleasure at the appearance Of the
owner, are apt to partake of his dis
position, returning his greeting in
kind. Therefore keep the stock com
Portable by kindness in every respect
and at all times w. II White. m