Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1881-03-30

ABORTION IN DAIRY HERDs.-The sub
iect of aborting dairy cows was discussed
a few DAYS ago in the Elmira farmers
club, during which the experience Of two
prominent members with the disease was
given. We reproduce the major part Of
what was said by President McCann and
Mr.. G. w. Hoffman, as we find it in the
HHSJdHdBIdH:
President McCann.-lt is, perhaps, not
worth while to report the trouble l have
had in my dairy. for no one can suggest
practical means of relief. Last year
informed you of costly experience in my
cows aborting. This year everything is
going the same way. or the last ten
calves dropped, think none had gone the
full period. | mention the fact without
expecting that any member will apprlse
me of remedy. but it is possible some
one may advise me whether it is better to
fit the cows for the shambles, or try them
again in the dairy.
G. w. Hoffman.-It is q hard exper-
iance, but il must he met with patience
and waiting. A few years ago | had
thirty five cows that dropped calves in
january. OF Just before, and in the lot there
we're but two sound calves. That year |
had sixty-five cows, and from all of them
think there were but five that went the
full period. sold few of the poorest
and replaced them with such cows as !
could pick up, the bull of the herd being OF
old stock that had aborted, for Itook no care
| to get a clean start. The next year there
were not so many abortions, and the mex
fewer still | have kept right on as before
no change in treatment, nor OF stock ex-
cept as before-the poorest sold, and their
places filled with such AS | could buy.
| The result is, my dairy is as sound as
ever. The disease has run its course and
ended. That is all | can say about it, for
know nothing more of the cause, or a
remedy than | knew before, although |
made diigent search for knowledge. Now
| must advise President Mccain that his
true course is to try his best cows that
have aborted, the second time, but if they
should fail again my advise is, turn them
off And tn at is the course | would take
with all inferior mixers. Many cows
after aborting, incline to flesh. and with
liberal feeding will soon be iii for the
butcher, the destination they should have
President McCann.-The query in my
| mind has been: What shall do with the
/ cows that have abortedP Perhaps IL Is
answered in tn chest way. Some of then
milk up readily for the have sprung be-
fore aborting With them there is not
much loss; but others drop their calve:
with no sign of sp!nging udders. o
course they are dead weights in the dairy
and should go 10 the butcher when fitted
If buy others to take their places.
suppose they, too, must take the risk O
aborting, but that is the course taken by
Ms. Hoffman. and his COWS have passed
the trouble, so may conclude that it il
the'wisest course for me, although it ii
like cropping in the dark. The trouble in
the case is that the disease battles all skill
no man seems to have gained anything
like definite information concerning the
cause, and nothing more about the cure
&. w. Hoffman.-We must wait unit
science points out cause and remedy, FOL
at present the wisest men confess igno.
rance about both.-Prnirte Fnrmer.