Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1905-01-10
Winter Care of Stock.

A question of much Importance to the
farmer at this time is how he shall feed
and care for the stock upon his farm
during the winter months. In the sum-
mer season, when the animals are sur
rounded by natural conditions and OBJ
tain the most of their food from the pas
ture grasses, the problem of feed and
care is simple one. But in this climate
where il is necessary for 50 long a time
to house them aud surround them with
artificial conditions, it requires much
thought and study to give them such
feed and care as win keep them in the
best health aud secure the greatest re-
turn for the food given.
Buildings for all kinds of stock should
be light and well ventilated, and should
admit as much sunlight as possible.
Pure air and sunshine are among the
most beneficial agents. Every farmer
should see that the sun extends as far as
possible into his tie-up. The dairy barn
should be so constructed as to keep the
cows comfortable and at the same time
furnish them with sufficient pure air to
keep them in vigorous, healthy cOndi-
ton. A cheap shelter will do very we'll
for sheep, if it has tight roof and is
well boarded and protected from storms
on the north, east and west. 1t may be
left open toward the south. The clean
snow is a good place on which to feed
the coarse fodder. Sheep should be Civ
en- plenty of water. 1t is as essential
that the sheep should have access to
water as any other of the farm animals.
The colt should have plenty of exer-
else, and sheep should be allowed, where
possible, the run of the fields or pastures
during the greater part of the year; but
milch cows, il the stable is warm, light
and well ventilated, in our opinion will
do quite as we'll if not turned into the
yard. If they could be turned out every
day in the middle of the day, it would
be beneficial, but as that would not be
convenient or practicable, many of the
days being cold and stormy, We think it
is as well to keep them confined, as
cow that is turned out one day is looking
for it the next day and is restless and
uneasy, and does not drink OF feed as
well as when the same condition prevails
all the time.
In the feeding of stock regularity is an
important item. The food should be
given regularly and in such quantities
that they will eat it all clean. Then
their appetites will be good. The food
should contain all the elements required
for the growth and maintenance of the
animal, and with due regard to this
factor, we should endeavor to feed those
foods that will most prOtitably produce
the product desired A variety should
be given, and if possible some succulent
food should be fed during the winter
months, especially to milch cows. En-
silage is valuable succulent food, and
where this is given roots are not so
essential. But the farmer should fur
nish himself with something of this ma
lure for his cattle, horses, colts and
sheep. Apples are relished by nearly
all stock, and in certain quantities can
usually be fed to advantage. One ration
a day of sweet apples, for the growing
colt, will be quite as productive of good
as all grain We are strongly of the
opinion that small ration of apples fed
to sheep will add to their growth and
have tendency to keep them in better
condition and with better appetites.
The pig that is fed for pork should be
kept growing every day until he is six
or seven months old. The first one or
two hundred pounds are made in less
time and much more cheaply than older
growth.-Maine Bulletin.