Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1914-07-23
THE RAISING OF CALVES.
DEVELOPMENT OF A HIGH-cLAss
HERD DEPENDS ON MANY
FACTORS.
BY c. II. EekIes, Professor Of Dairy
Husbandry, College of AgricuI-
ture, University of Missouri.

IuTeI University OF MiSSouTi'
With high-priced land and expen-
sive feeds the ordinary calf that is
valuable only for beef cannot be
raised with any profit by allowing it
to nurse the COW. A calf raised in
this way consumes about two gallons
of milk a day for six months, OIL a
total of $500 pounds. If it be average
milk, with 4 per CEN fat, it contains
liz pounds of butterfat.
The economy Of raising the calf
with skim milk is apparent. 1t has
been found by trial that two pounds
of grain replaces one pound of butter
fatNas food for the calf. Calves raised
on skim milk gain an average Of
about ~ pounds a day up to six
months of age.
A calf raised on skim milk is equal
ly as good as one nursed by its moth
er. The skim milk calf, raised prop
erly, differs little, if any, in size, quail
ity, thrift and value from the same
animal when raised by the COW. The
poor results which have so often fol-
lowed the feeding of skim milk have
been due to faulty methods of feeding,
and not because the cream which has
been taken out is of SO much impor-
lance to the calf.
Taking the Calf From Its Mother.
The first milk of the COW after calv-
ing is called colostrum. 1t is impor-
tant to feed this milk for a few days
at first, since the calf seems to need
it to start the organs of digestion
properly. After a few days mixed
milk may be given. In case the milk
is very rich in fat, it will be best, ever
with the young calf, to dilute it with
skim milk, as rich milk is liable to
cause indigestion.
The earlier the calf is taken away
from the COW the easier it will be
taught to drink milk from the bucket
If the cows udder is in good condi'
ton 1t is more satisfactory to take
the calf way early, but when the
udder is caked it is best to leave the
calf with the mother for a few days
For the first two weeks five o. six
quarts of milk, or about 10 or II
pounds, a day is all the largest cali
should be allowed to take. A small
calf does not need owe eight or II
pounds a day. AS the calf grows old
er more milk may be used, but at nj
time does it need more than 16 OF II
pounds. At the end of two weeks tht
strong and vigorous calf a BIZ
changed to feed on skim milk. Thi!
should be done gradually. About
week should be taken to make thu
complete change.
Calves which are to be raised OF
skim milk should be taught to ca
grain early. The grain should b.
placed in a box where the calves cal
easily get to it, and they can be en-
couraged at first by placing a littl
in their mouths after they have cor
sumed their milk. Grain a best b
fed dry after the milk is fed. Calve
will begin to nibble hay almost a
soon as they will eat grain. For youn
calves timothy or mixed hay is wei
adapted. Glover and alfalfa are laxa
tive and so palatable the animal oftel
overeats, and this helps scours. Whel
on pasture the calves are receivinI
the best possible roughness.
1t is a mistake to believe that a cal
does not require water while still re
ceiving milk. An abundance of cleaI
water should be given at all times an,
salt after the animal is old enough t
eat grain and hay.
The calf quarters should be locate
in the choicest part of the barn wher
sunshine and light are abundant, TIL
pens must be kept dry and clean. TIL
most common trouble in calf raisin
is scours, or indigestion. This i
brought about by overlooking, feec
ing Soul or old milk, cold milk, an
from dirty pals, troughs or stalls
Success depends largely upon the abb
ity of the feeder to prevent scours.
1t is much easier to prevent scouT
than it is to cure them. In most case
all that is necessary is to observe tn
rules for feeding calves. By watchin
the small points and keeping the COZ
ditions right, success will take tn
place of failure. The essential point
to be kept in mind are the following
Do not overfeed.
Feed warm milk.
Feed sweet, fresh milk.
Feed each animal individually.
Feed regularly.
Keep the pals and quarters wher
the calves are kept clean.