The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1922-03-16

ing herd and nursing calves. At the
present time the corn belt is the re-
gion best adapted to this system, al
in other sections. The dual~purpose
system is followed extensively in
many semi-dairy districts. According
to this plan all the cows are MIXED
and the calves are raised on skim
milk and supplemental feeds. Often
the dual-purpose idea resolves itself
into trying TO make dairy animals out
of a strictly beef breed. Dual-pur-
pose calves, as rule, do not possess
the beef-type characteristics of strictly
beef-bred calves, but when they are
grown out" and fattened properly
they make very satisfactory beef.
Cut Feed Costs to Limit.
When feeds are high in price the
use of cheap rations is especially de-
sirable for the maintenance of the
breeding herd. Cows raised for the
production of calves only can be fed
very cheaply on silage and dry rough
ages, combined with n small quantity
by the substitution of leguminous hays
the costly concentrates may be omitted.
Dual-purpose cows kept for dairy
products as well as calves should re-
ceive feeds nearly identical with those
provided for dairy cows. AS far as
possible, homegrown feeds should
be utilized, although Ii is almost es-
sential that considerable amounts of
purchased concentrates be provided.
Cows that are MIXED should receive
l pound of concentrate for every TO
pounds Of milk produced. depend
ing upon the fat content of the milk.
In the South, where velvet beans
may be grown, this crop when planted
with corn affords excellent pasturage
for breeding cows after the corn ms
been gathered. ThrouF Inf the drought
exposed areas y - the West it is I'M
SsIaI to save emergency supplies Of
feed, and as a result during the |
drought many cattle owners are
obliged to utilize the native range
plants such as soapweed, sotol, bear
grass. and prickly pear. These plants.
ground up, serve to sustain the life
of cattle where each mature animal re-
celves from 20 to % pounds a day.
When from l to pounds of cottonseed
cake is supplied as supplement to
the chopped feed fairly good ration
is provided.
In the semiarid region of the South.
DIo &c
lent silage. while in the range sec
tions of the middle West ii is essen
tial to set aside considerable hay as
feed. During severe win
tiers animals that are especially thin
and weak should be separated from
the rest of the herd and sheltered and
fed. Cheap shelter not only saves feed
but may save many cattle that would
die If left exposed to wintry storms.
How to Feed Beef.
The farmers bulletin mentioned dis
cusses in detail the proper methods
of feeding cattle in the various beef
producing sections In the United
States, land also presents wide va
riety of balanced rations suitable for
use I'm each Of these beefsteak produc-
ing sections. 1t describes at some
length the popular methods of handling
yearlIng stockers, while 1t also empha-
sizes the value as scavengers of hogs,
yard mates Of fattening cattle. The
number Of hogs to use depends upon
the kind of cattle and the character
and quality of the grain ration which
is fed Ordinarily one pig weighing
20 TO so pounds to each three steers
is required. When supplemental feed
is provided the porkers, a lew more
may just as well be added, the chief
being to utilize all waste
-, - a., oon,,o.t a. into ,,orIy