Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1909-04-22
FORMING A DAIRY HERD.
Animals Chosen Should Be
Carefully Selected and Test
ed Physically.
BY PROFESSOR H. =. ALvoRp.

Ihere is no, point of greater impor-
lance IN selecting animals for the foun-
cation OF a herd or in making pur-
chases OF additions than to get per-
rectiy healthy stock. Animals chosen
should be critically examined and
should afford evidence of being strong
IN constitution and of healthful vigor
IL Is advised that all be tuberculiu
tested, and this of course should be
done by competent veterinarian. Be-
sides the robust character of the in
dlvlduals, the breeding stock from
winch they are descended and the herd
stables and farms from which they
come should be closely examined on
the score of health. Breeding and
rearing the animals needed to replen-
ism and increase the herd and refusing
TO allow strange animals on the farm
are the best safeguards against the
introduction OF disease.
II purchases must be made let the
new stock be strictly quarantined for
at least one month before mingling
with the herd. On every farm of any
size Well-secluded building for
stock quarantine and hospital suitably
arranged and equipped is most USE
full adjunct. This is not needed for
calving cows or for cases of lameness
or ordinary accident, but for cases OF
acute sickness retention of afterbirth.
abortion or any symptoms of conta-
gious disease 1t Is essential. OF course
the building itself, it's care and the at
tendance upon its occupants must be
subjected to regulations suitable to any
hospital or quarantine.
There are many of the ordinary ac-
cidents and ailments to which domes-
tic animals are subject which can be
managed by an intelligent owner or
under his direction without professions
al assistance. Every man his own
cattle doctor" is very delusive title.
one may well follow this suggestion
within reasonable limits, but there is
always point hard to define at which
professional aid should promptly be
summoned.
SO long as an owner is certain of the
difficulty and has knowledge. and ex-
perience as to treatment or remedy he
may depend upon home resources. But
in cases of obscurity, uncertainty OF
complications the owner of a good COW
disregards his own interests and his
moral obligation IL he fail to summon
a veterinarian, as much as if he neg
lected to secure proper medical serv-
ice for a sick child. And the veter-
marian should be selected with the
same care one exercises In choosing
family physician.
Close confinement, with impure ali
and lack of exercise, is as prejudicial
to the health Of mich cows as to that
of human beings. Some recently pro-
mulgated theories Of dark, warm sta
bles and no exercise for profitable milk
production are without a rational basis
and certain to lead to disastrous re-
suits sooner or later. Exposure to
storms and cold is equally injurious to
the health and profit of cows A ju-
dicious mean is the provision for
moderate exercise in the open air and
sunshine, and the application Of the
same common sense care for the COM
fort of cows which one would approve
for members of his own household
Every member of the herd, young or
old, should pass under the critical eye
of the owner or his trusty assistant
daily, and preferably twice day. The
least symptom of disorder, like dull
ness loss of appetite, rough coat and
of milk, manure or urine,
should be noted and promptly receive
the attention which 1t deserves Ex-
perience is needed on the part of the
caretaker to detect and correct the be-
ginnings of trouble and thus maintain
the general health Of the herd.