The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1876-12-28
Winter Treatment of Calves.

Dairymen generally are not sufficiently
careful in raising their calves. 1t is not
so we'll understood as it should be that
whatever check is given the calf from its
birth to maturity, is permanent injury,
ward. 1t becomes us, therefore, to do all
making it not only continuous, but keep
ing it up to its hi CHEST capacity, avoiding
only an excess of fat. A healthy, vigor-
Gus, uninterrupted growth should be the
careful aim Of every one who has growing
stock to rear for the dairy. We are very
apt to think-and the thought is almost
universally entertained-that calves will
not do as well in winter as in summer
that it is impossible to advance their
growth to the same extent during cold
weather and on dry feed, as in the summer
fields on fresh grasses. The difference is
not in the feed and the season, or need not
be; it is in the treatment. In summer the
animal, provided with good pasture, will
help itself; in winter it requires attention
is then wholly dependent upon what is
given it, and cannot forage for itself. Re-
member,-a calf is tender thing; has
never experienced cold before; has been
accustomed to the juicy grasses and warm
weather, and cannot, therefore, endure,
without hurt, the usual severe conditions
of winter, such as sit generally experiences.
1t must he sheltered, and its quarters be
made uniformly comfortable. Not only
the wind, but the cold must be kept
out, and the stall sufficiently Uttered and
ventilated, with convenient watering
place, and water taken to it in severe
weather.
The feed is important, particularly the
kind. Hay alone of the usual quality, or
hay with little grain or roots, will not
do. The roots are excellent, being sort
of substitute for the grass; but grass in
the form of tender hay or dried grass
must be provided. AS much as the calf
will eat of early cut grass-or, better,
aftermath-should be given. This alone
will keep the calf in good growth if it has
not been checked during the summer, and
has gone into winter quarters in good
health and vigor. But generally it is not
enough, and then a more concentrated
feed is required. This we have in the
grains. Barley is excellent; so are oats;
both ground. A little corn-meal added
will favor warmth in the system. Oil
cake also is good. If this treatment is
continued during the winter, the young
animals will be largely advanced when
spring comes and they are turned into
pasture. Such animals will be COWS at
two years Of age. They will have attained
sufficient size, and will continue to grow
several years more, charging, at the same
time, the capacity for milk which early
milking favors.
Another thing of importance is gener-
ally neglected, or rather is not understood.
The COW, it is known, nas strong domestic
attachments. This, encouraged, is favor
able to an increased yield Of milk. To
get the full benefit of this, an early course
of kind treatment should be adopted; the
calf petted and encouraged. A little OF
this goes great way; but let it he con-
tinued without Interruption. The man
who has a knack for the management OF
stock, especially the bringing up of young
animals, is a prize in a large establish.
ment. The female hand will raise cali
and make superior COW of it. Kindness
and tact are employed; but they are not
generally exercised by the male attendant
Of herds. Cor Country Gentleman.