The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1881-09-29

It is not my intention in this article to
point out any particular breeds of cattle
for the above purposes, but shall leave
every one to judge what is best for his
own present or future circumstances.
We all know that certain cows excel in
that quality of milk which turns out the
finest cheese; others in that which pro-
duces superior butter; then their are
steers which fatten on the least food
and at the earliest age, yielding the
choicest of beef; or if kept on for the
yoke, making the most powerful and
active of working oxen. Specimens of
native cattle as well as grades of what
is called the "improved breeds" abound
on our continent from one end to the
other, which can be obtained at moder-
ate prices to fulfill all requirements in a
highly profitable manner. Yet in order
to select the choicest.of these, one must
be we'll acquainted with animal struc-
ture in general, and those points in par
ticular which indicate great milking OF
butter COW, quick fattening steer, and
agood working OK.
If the farmer wishes to breed for
himself, then he must obtain such fe-
males as are adapted for this purpose,
and cross these with males from fami-
lies excelling in the same qualities.
He may then count upon a majority of
their stock meeting his expectations on
obtaining full growth. In order, how
ever, to insure this, particular attention
lnust be given to the feed of his ami
mails. This should not only be of a
palatable and nutritious quality, but
every one must have as much daily as
it will eat up clean and thoroughly
digest. If of good constitution, proper
ly sheltered and watered, there will be
rapid growth, and a profitable dairy,
beef and labor product follow. Some
are so unwise as to think if they have a
good breed or selection of animals
that is enough, and they need pay little
attention to their food STILL the latter
is just as important as the former. If
only enough is given to keep creature
in mere store order, small profit can be
realized from it, while if all is fed after
this which it can consume and will
digest, then the additional aliment turns
entirely to profit. From this an adage
may be drawn-scaut food and no gain;
abundant food, and a great one.
In addition 10 the foregoing, it must
be recollected that the manure from
animals thus extra kept is much richer
in elements of fertility than that dropped
from those less bountifully fed, and this
increased value is often sufficient to pay
for the labor bestowed in taking care of
the stock. Then there is the great pleas
ure of beholding ones herd in prime
health and condition, and exhibiting to
all friends calling to see the animals
composing it. There are cheap ele-
mentary books published on the subject
of cattle feeding, treating of the differ
ent varieties of food, their nutritiye
values, and the rations required for the
best production of milk, cheese, butter,
beef and work. Every farmer ought to
possess one of these, make himself per-
feet master OF the contents, and then fol-
low its rules as his daily guide. The
result to him would be additional econo-
my in the breeding, raising and keeping
of his cattle, and additional gain in the
products drawn from them. Bycareless-
ness and Ignorance in the above matters,
millions of dollars annually are lost to
our farmers throughout the country.
Considering this, let US all, henceforth
seek for reform.-A. B. Allen.