Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1884-02-01
Fattening Stock.

1t Is not every farmer who can fatten
an animal economically. 1t is an art
that must be learned BY study and prac-
tice. There are many phases 10 this
subject, and their numerous conditions
must he thoroughly understood. If tho
farmer would realize the most from his
feed. Quantity of food, quality of food.
variety of food, warmth and quiet of
stables, and many other important
items must be taken into consideration
in fattening stock.
As i'll many other departments of
farm labor, there is great lacking here
of systematic work. Some are ignorant
as to the best methods, while others are
careless of their real interests, and have
no regularity in their work.
Every farmer seems to have his own
way. and it is too often chosen with re-
gard to the convenience of feeding
rather than the economy. Ten chances
to one he never knows whether he has
gained or lost on the animal he has sold
TO the butcher.
We can not lay down any definite
rules to be followed in fattening stock,
and it would be still more difficult to
follow them up to the letter, supposing
they were given. But we can learn the
general principles of economical feed
ing, and should never rest until they
are put into practice. A man of good
sense and Judgment can apply them 10
his own particular circumstances. |
might, for instance. say that tho most
economical method of feeding rough
food is by the process of steaming,
which would be very true. while at tho
same time, | would not advise all farm
ers to go to the expense of purchasing
an apparatus for this work. To those
who have large number Of animals
and proper facilities, it would be good
economy. but to the small stock raisers
or fatteners it would BIO impracticable,
or too expensive to be economical. The
same might be said of the silo and other
theories or methods.
Throwing aside the discussion Of par
ticular methods, | would beg leave to
call the farmers attention to some few
things that can be applied alike to all,
and in the programme of which the
incest system and regularity should be
observed:
|. Fattcn stock in the stall Turn
lIttIH oul IOl fNtIClSt, bHt ItNtI lttAl III
the yard. The animal that is obliged
to fight for its food among the herd and
eat it after it has been foulcd and
tramplcd, can not thrive up to its full
est capacity. There is also an enor-
nous waste of food when given in this
manner.
?. Give the animals warm, we)l-ventl-
lated and quiet quarters. An animal
will take on fat much more readily
when il is made comfort able and not in
fear of injury The idea that an ami
NAL should be confined in dark stall,
probably originated in this way. | do
not consider darkness an important CON
dition: for, if the other conditions were
attended TO, there would be no reason
able grounds left for such theory.
Nothing should be neglected that will
add to the comfort OF the animal con-
fined. II should be carded and bedded
rs well as fed.
?. Give them their proper food in
such condition that they can get its
fall muir tive value, and that, too, with
the least trouble and annoyance. Ii
the fodder is coarse il should be cut up
and sprinkled with meal. A ton of
corn stalks treated in this way will do
more good than ton and half thrown
into the manger whole. II given
whole they will nose it over until they
get al the leaves off and then commence
on the tender portions of The stalk.
gradually working the mass over until
ii is thoroughly fouled by their breath,
causing them to leave nearly half Of it
uneaten. They should have their feed
OF roots cut up, SO that they will not be
obliged to gnaw them off or run the
risk of choking.
4. Feed them regularly and water
them regularly Regular feeding is an
important element in fattening stock,
and one that is too often disregarded by
the farmer. D. Boynton. IN Prctrte
Farmer.