Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1904-12-20
Feeding Grain to Young Cattle.

Question is sometimes made whether
or not il is profitable to feed grain to
young stock early. Everyone knows
that all life, animal as well as plant,
makes the most rapid growth and de-
velopment during the earlier period OF
it's existence. In proportion to the
length of time occupied in reaching ma
turity, is the rapidity with which
growth proceeds. Those who have even
the most ordinary observation will note
that where there has been an insuficien-
cy of nutrients necessary TO full develop
ment during the earlier stages of growth,
neither animal nor plant life will ever
fully recover from the effects of such
lack of nourishment. Natures first food.
milk, containing SO much protein and
ash, forms guide for the future feeding;
these constituents being so necessary to
building up the frame in growing stock.
In determining the quality and quantity
OF rationS, consideration must be given
To the purpose for which the cattle are
afterward intended. In feeding for beef,
while supplying to the calves sutficien-
cy of frame-growing nutrients, the ra-
tions should also be rich in tlesh-fOrm-
ing material so as TO retain the calf flesh
and bring on evenly an increase in both
frame and flesh. If intended for dairy
purposes, then the line of feeding should
be such that while maintaining a thrifty
condition as to flesh, will also raise an
animal of large frame and hardy con-
stitution fitted for the dual strain of
maternity and producing large flow of
milk. Considering these things, it
seems almost supertiuouS to question
the wisdom or economy of feeding a
generous allowance of grain to young
stock, especially during the fall and win
ter months. During the spring and
summer when the pastures are in the
first flush of growth, it is probable that
good grazing will supply all the elements
of nutrition necessary, but as pastures
begin to fire small allowance of grain,
to be increased as winter approaches,
will prove most beneficial in keeping up
the condition acquired from the sum-
mer pastures. 1t is of the utmost i'm
portance to keep the young animal al
ways gaining; TO allow falling otf in
condition is false economy, as the after
cost of putting it on again will greatly
exceed the expense of little extra grain
feed at the proper time. 1t would be
indeed difficult to find ration without
grain for properly wintering young
stock-possibly well made corn silage
and clover hay would be found very
satisfactory, though there would of
course be some grain in the Silage. OF
the small grain, the best of all would be
whole wheat rolled or crushed. The
largest and most even lot of calves |
ever saw were fed on ration of pulped
roots mixed with chopped straw and
hay with au allowance of rolled wheat
added; generally, however, this grain is
too expensive, except its by-product
bran, which should never be omitted
from the grain ration of young stock.
Probably there is no more suitable grain
than oats for all young animals and if
raised on the farm it should not be very
expensive. A grain ration of two parts
bran to ole each of oats and corn, to-
gether with some succulent feed such as
roots or ensilage and hay or oat straw
for roughage, will make satisfactory
wintering. Cor. in New England
Farmer.