The Richfield recorder. (Richfield, Idaho) 1909-1931, 1915-02-18
THE OPEN AIR BARN.
Hoard Dairyman Exponent Of Open Air
Structure for Dairy Stock.

noaru OairJmdn Exponent OF open HiT
Structure for Dairy Stock.
We note with interest the article in
your issue of October ninth in regard
to the Ohio man who has met with
such great success in keeping his Jer-
sey herd in a cold dairy barn. This
article is especially interesting to US
because it is right along the lines
which we have been following for
years, only we go farther in the open
air treatment than our Ohio friend
Our cows live out of doors the year
round, entering the barn only to be
fed their grain, which is proportioned
requirements. and to be carded and
milked The average time the cows
spend in the barn is about three hours
day. The balance of the twenty -four
hours they spend in large open cor
raj where they drink, eat alfalfa hay.
stand around or lie down at will
From fifteen years of experience we
have come to the conclusion that this
method is the best at least it is the
best method to follow in this climate
A daily record is kept of each cows
milk production, and it is fact that
severe cold weather does not decrease
the amount. A slight decrease is some
times noted as a result of a wet
storm, especially if the sleet Is accom-
panied by wind, but the decrease is no
greater than sometimes occurs during
a storm either early or late in the sum-
mer, when the cows are on pasture, or
worst
The temperature in the barn is very
much the same as 1t is in the corral.
as the only purpose of the barn is to
have a dry clean place in which to do
the milking and grain the cows. If
the barn was very warm and cotnfort-
able the cows probably would be much
more liable to take cold. and more
susceptible to disease than they are
when the barn is of an open air type. |
on account of the changes in tempera !
ture to which they would be subjected |
in going in and out. ss |
"The proof of the pudding is in the
eating' This herd has lately under |
-one tuberculin test for the first |
time. with the result that no trace |
whatever of tuberculosis was found in
the entire herd of LOG cows. In COM
on the case. the veterinarian
who made the test went so far as to
say that this extraordinary record
was doubtless due to open air methods
as well as to. systematic management
and wholesome food. The fact that no
cattle except few registered and pre-
tested bulls have been added to
The herd in recent years helps to ex-
plain the lack of disease and streng-
-hens the theory that the methods en-
oloyed in the care Of this herd are
very nearly right The animals are
1ot only free from tuberculosis. but
Ire SO vigorous and full of life that
he veterinarian, in his certificate, men
ioned the fact that the herd was in
IN exceptionally healthy condition.
There is no doubt that pure water
md wholesome food contribute their
hare to the general result The water
ank is always kept clean and city
water is used. The grain fed is Of the
pest quality, and an ounce Of salt goes
nto every feed. The alfalfa il raised
md put up with special care and with
he idea OF obtaining the best results
rom the stock tc which It IL to be fed.
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