Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-02-21
STOCK IN WINTER.

As cold weather comes on we must
remember to add to the rations which
have previously been sufficient for our
stock, in order to make up for that
which will be consumed in keeping nm
the animal heat. Especially should at
tention be given to this where the
stables are open and cold, as we find
them on many farms. While such is
the case we cannot possibly avoid sup
plying the necessary warmth to the
stock by means of food given them.
The animal system win first take its
iuei from the supply of food given,
and If this does not leave a sufficiency
there will be consequent falling off
in the milk, flesh or growth, as the
case may be. Ii is great economy to
have warm shelter for all kinds of
stock. Besides making the animals
more comfortable and keeping them
in more healthy condition, there is an
actual saving of considerable guam
tity of food.
Put healthy animal into a cold, un-
sheltered place and il will develop a
most voracious appetite, and IFS stom-
ach will be worked to its greatest ca
pacity in digesting food to supply the
blood with sufficient carbon TO keep
up the heat that is constantly passing
of in the cold air. But the idea of
having warm stables mus. not be car
ried to the extreme of keeping animals
shut up for weeks at time in almost
air-tight rooms, with doors and win
dows closely shut for fear little cold
air may enter. The stable must be
properly ventilated at all times of the
year. A supply of pure air is as es-
sential as the proper amount of whole
some food. Even for keeping up the
animal heat, the oxygen of the one is
as necessary as the carbon of the other.
Corn-meal contains good amount
of heat-produoing properties, and is
food well adapted TO supply promi-
nent part of the winter rations of
grain. Stock enjoy the sunshine, and
should be turned into the yard during
the warmest part of the clear days.
The freedom and exercise obtained.
the pure air and the peculiar warmth
obtained from the sun, are all conduc-
i've TO the health of the animals. If
possible, the yard should be on the
south side of the barn. | think it very
poor practice to scatter hay over the
barnyard for the cattles' dinner, as
many farmers in this vicinity do. The
stronger ones of the herd 90 about
from pile TO pile, driving the weaker
ones away, and scattering the hay
over the yard, to be trodden into snow
or mud and go to waste, while a por-
ton of the stock gets a light dinner.
A rack in the yard for receiving the
hay would be great improvement on
this method. A still better plan is TO
tic the cattle when they take their
dinner. Every one can then get Just
what is intended for il, and can eat it
quietly and undisturbed.
Frequent use of the card and brush
will be appreciated by the stock in tine
winter. 1t makes the animal look
better, keeps the skin in a more
healthy condition, aids the circulation
of the blood, and promotes the gener-
al health. 1t does much toward max
ing animals more gentle and docile,
which is no small item In feeding
stock il must be remembered that il
is not what they eat, but what they
digest that does them good. 1t is inn
portant, then, 10 keep the stomach in
healthy condition. To do this give
n variety, and make changes in the
food ooy. Ita,saf,-,, Gas,fJo,,,1a