Daily Kennebec journal., 1884-01-05
MA 5
DaiIp Kennebfr 3ournal.
Exercise for Stock.


Mr.J. NJ. Stahl in the New England Far.
mer makes the following good suggestions
on exercise for stock: ''In the life of the
farm animal winter is the season ofcon6ne-
ment. In the summer it has the free range
of the pasture field. 1t can take what
exercise it desires. But in the winter il
is stabbed, let US hope, and not unlikely
tied. Exercise is a matter of impossi.
bility. This should not be the case. In
our treatment of domesticated animals, We
should approach as near to nature as pos
sible. Domestication may have changed
the nature of the animals, but it has not
changed the constitution of their bodies
ard consequent requirements of health.
We may be sure that nature made no mis-
takes. that in the treatment of her Great
ures she was wise. In a state of nature,
animals were free to exercise when they
pleased. Exercise was necessary to their
well-being, and therefore nature gave it
to them. Domestication has not changed
their wants in this particular, and we
should follow the plan of nature.
Mans knowledge has proven the wis
dom of nature in her provisions fer the
exercise of animals. A certain amount oi
bodily motion he has found to be necessary
to maintain the proper circulation OF the
fluids. Exercise greatly assists the in
sensible perspiration. This is the most
abundant of all the secretions. and wise
provision to carry off substances iminical
to health. Without exercise the sweet
glands become clogged, and finally
stopped, and diseased state of the body
must inevitably result. The superabun-
dance, impuritv or stagnation of the fluids
which exercise will keep in a normal
amount and condition. will lead to serious
results. The consequent enlargement or
obstruction of the viscera must produce
death if not relieved A certain amount
of exercise is essential to normal condi-
ton of the appetite. Animals kept close
ly confined have a weak or abnormally
ravenous appetite, or none at all. Give
them exercise of the right sort. and the
right amount, and they will have appe-
titles of like qualities.
Exercise is also essential to fecundity
and longevity. 1t is very common and
a very grievous mistake to closely confine
animals designed for breeding purposes.
Of all animals those designed for breed
ers most require exercise, and all animals
require it. Inaction leads to short life !;
great activity, but not immoderate, to
long life. Fecundity and longevity are
desirable qualities in farm animals; there
fore exercise is desirable. But this exer-
else must be moderate. Immoderate ex-
ercise is as hurtful as inactivity. The
organs of the body require action but not
abuse. It must also be timely; if
untimely it is an evil rather than bene
fit. Exercise Immediately after hearty
meal is decidedly hurtful, unless very
gentle and moderate.
would say that domestic animals con-
fined in stables should be allowed to exer-
else early in the morning before they are
given any food. After remaining in the
stable over night and breathing the heated,
impure air confined therein. (stables are
too rarely properly ventilated) they are
in no condition to receive food. II they
could have q moderate amount of exer-
else between meals, it would be all the
better. Unless the weather is very stormy
and severe, they should not be deprived
of exercise altogether. l would suggest
that the cattle, etc, be turned cut of their
shelters in the morning and at intervals
during the day. and allowed to exercise
as they wished. Generally they will not
hesitate to take sufficient. Should they
appear not to be disposed to do so, it
would be an easy matter to make them
move round. This is worthy the atten-
ton and action of the stock raiser.