The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1904-03-22
Treatment of Cows at Calving Time.
Editors Progressive Farmer:

SOIuCl11lS z ~ CO"0 w AN'O HHS WV 49,
winter, and four cases in so short a time prompt
ed me to inquire closely as to feed and attention
these had received before "calving."
The COWS were all closely confined in small lots
or "staked out" making it quite impossible to
take exercise sufficient to good health. Feed in
each case was of a heating, fat-producing ration,
chiefly cotton-seed meal and hulls. No attention
was given to condition of bowels and each case
showed much evidence of constipation. In each
case [ administered as far as my limited veterl-
nary education permitted, and then advised to
phone for the veterinary surgeon. He came and
gave the iodide potash treatment, but to no ef-
feet. Cows all died.
Now it is curious how people treat a sick COW
in each of the four cases the same veterinary
surgeon treated intelligently, and gave full evil
dence that he knew what he was doing.
Well, sir, when he had gone, other COW doctors
came along, and the owners of these COWS permit
ted filthy "cuds," so-called, to be rammed down the
cows threats, tails were split, horns bored, and
other absurd and unheard-of treatment admin
istered to these suffering animals.
Milk fever must be prevented; it is seldom
cured. A COW within six weeks of calving needs
only hay and bran, a soft mash twice a week and
much exercise will prevent the trouble. Cows in
small lots require as much attention as an infant.
A young man told me last week about going to
buy a fresh cow-calf one week old. Said when
he got to the farm he saw a COW in the barn lot.
She was dragging something behind her. His
curiosity was up. He went nearer and found an
old horse shoe tied to the "after BIRTH" Soon the
farmer came out. The young man wanted to
know about the horse shoe. ooh" said the farm
er, "the niggers say soak an old horse shoe in
turpentine, tie it to that and the COW will clean
all right"
GLOW long has the iron been tied to Fthat'w
"About three days."
"Why don't the COW clean if that is proper
treatment? g"
II don't know"
The young fellow went to work, removed that
putrid placenta in a few minutes in a business
like manner, which astonished the old gentleman,
and | venture to say no more old irons will be
attached to COWS on his farm.
The aforementioned young fellow has some IS
or 60 head of cattle, and he has the colored man
about also.
Now | know we learn a lot from the negro, but
we need to think over the information and not do
too much of what he says is the right "do."
This young man had a COW which did not
"clean." The negro said get a bundle of fodder,
go to the house, pour boiling water on fodder,
run to barn, give 1t to cow to eat, and she will
clean right away. Young man not having a bum
die of fodder went to a %neighbor, borrowed a bun
die (o be returned next falD, gave it to Frank
and told him to proceed. Franks prescription
failed, and in due time the young man removed
the afterbirth in proper way, much to Franks
amazement.
There is much foolishness in what 1 have writ
ten, but | tell you many of the people who read
your paper do these absurd, outlandish, foolish
things. 1t is to make them think before thew act.