The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1883-02-23
Calves During the Early Spri, g.

Young things that have done excep-
tionalIy we'll during the past three
months, will in the same hands, I'M
doubtedly 90 on to grass as young grow
ing stock always should, namely, with
pliable hides and oily coats-two evil
dences that they have not put in the
growth Yet, even such as have done
capitally up to February, will possibly
require more attention till grass than
they have rom time of grass in the fall
till the present time. AS winter nears
it's close, efforts are likely to be relaxed,
in view of the near approach of the
spring bite and due attent on to the bad
influence of the cold rains and mud
under foot, so liable to co n in all ex-
cept the more northerly States. be neg
lected. y
These influences, added to the dis
turbed digestion, accompanied by a
more or less distended abdomen, in the
case of cal es that have not done well
during first half of winter, will call for
extra care to the latter class. The
coarse feed. especially straw, should be
entirely gnored, no access being al
lowed to any other than concentrated
food, except moderate allowances of
fine, brigh well-cured hay. The
trouble which usually comes to very
young stock from feeding ground foods
is the indigestion, liable to overtake
them through fermentation of the food
given. For this reason, oil-cake meal
is undoubtedly the best food in use for
calves. Farmers naturally have a pref
udice against Buying feed for farm
stock of any kind, under the belief that
the grains grown upon their own farms
are good enough for any animal reared
thereon.
They forget that calves are usually
reared artificially: that is, they are, as
arule, too early deprived of their nat
ural sustenance. the milk of the mother.
This involves the ne essity OF SUBSTITUTE.
ing as nearly an equivalent as can be
found. On account of the tendency to
fermentation of ground foods, when
given freely to young Kings, and the
cake meal being only in slight de-
gree, compared to some other feeds,
liable to ferment in the sto mach of the
calf. the latter is adopted, espe tally in
Europe, by pretty much all who rear
cattle and sheep, as the most important
food at their command. Especially is
this true as regards their management
of young stock; nor d. thei restrict its
use to growing things, but use it freely
as basis for foods during the entire
process of fattening.
Now is good time for observing men,
with Judgment well matured in such
matters, TO look up and buy .yo ing
stock to rear, as the discerning eve will
breeding and good care in the winter
ing, where these are present. Calves
that have been properly cared for till
Februarf 1st are, with proper protec-
ton, easily carried through to grass in
good shape for rapid gain. Calves
should be isolated from older cattle, as
their food requires to be selected AMI
very carefully given. Even such calves
as IN line to play master. should be re-
stricted in their opportunities for doing
so, being fed separately.
Where shelter had not already been
provided, it is not tor late to attend to
this important duty. As do en- calves
can find sleeping room in a covere
enclosure twelve feet square. the ex-
rense of putting up al unpretending.
yet warm calf room. need be but tri!ilng.
A very serious mistake is made by many
menin disseminating the feeling of grain
dpon first turning to grass. There
is a material loss to the strength of
the calf by this practice, as the system
undergoes radical change when green
grass with its abundance of water is
taken into the stomach in place of the
substantial dry feed to which it has been
accustomed during the winter.
Under the com NC system, sure to
hold sway in the near future. namely,
the feeding off at half the age heretofore
thought proper, no owne.- can afford to
lose any time through emitting to fol-
low up the gran and oil-cake feed on
young animals. If these strong foods
are required. and pay while on the dry
hay, given du ing the abs nee of grass.
they will pay equally well after the lat
ter is entered upon, an sh nd not be
discontinued till the young things have
become well aeeusto Ell U thi,. have
plenty o; it, end are thriving apact,
Ice Stock vUa!.s,1.