DEVELOPING THE DAIRY COW

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 528, 4 May 1920, Page 1

DEVELOPING THE DAIRY COW

A NATIONAL ASSET. There is no more interesting work in connection with live stock breeding than the development of a d;-.iry cow, says the Live Stock Journal. It is a work upon which the future profits depend, and takes from th;ee to four years before the full results of any system of breeding can be ascertained. The cow has three main duties to perform. She has to support her own body in robust condition; to rear profitable calves, and to produce large quantities of milk. With three points in view she has become a study in haiself, and the dairy farmer must have both a keen interest in his stock, and exercise much judgment before he can reap the full benefit of his work. To him the sight of a first-class individual in good condition is a pleasure, and each animal he sees is automatically sized up. What is her conformation, her temperament? Has she both quality and stamina? These are a few cf the questions that arise in his mind each time he sees a new beast, and in this way he has become a competent judge. He studies cattle and knows his own from head to foot- - their temperament and tastes. Raising Good Animals.

The object of every dairyman should be to raise animals to vitality and good appearance that will be heavy producers of milk, and, once a calf is selected to be reared as a dairy cow, constant cire and com-mon-sense are needed if she is to make full use of her capabilities. It is in his power to develop or stunt her latent qualities, and this depends on good feeding, reasonable exercise. and healthful comfortable surroundings. Different treatment is needed for different individuals, but each should be kept in virile condition, well fleshed, but not fat. with a strong, smooth coat and a general appearance of enjoying life. From birth to maturity the he'fer calf must be kept growing. At the least signs of unthriftiness, lose no time in finding the reason and applying the remedy. It is a good rule not to give milk that yoa would not drink yourself to a caif. It must be clean and warm. A little warm limewater will make it more digestible, and should be used with all delicate calves. The change from whole milk to skim milk must be gradual, taking at the least two weeks. Too often calves are given a set-back at this time, and it seems to be forgotten that the fat extracted from the mi'.k must be replaced by some substitute. Heifer calves from the most producive cows in a herd that are of good conformation and constitution will not show improved development unless they are sired by a bull bred from tested stock, therefore to ensure this the best bull procurable should be obtained. Development of Stock.

Under the best conditions some earlier atnb)m mbm p wgf p i' pfw heifers develop and mature much earlier than others, and may be bred from sooner, but it is advisable to have them calve when *ibout two and a-half years old, and both at that time and all subsequent calvings have them in good condition, but not necessarily fat. To prevent trouble at calving time they should have their feed reduced for a week or ten drys before, and the bowels kept loose by using bran freely. After calving her first two feeds at least should be warm bran mash, and if neecssary give salts also. This treatment will usually prevent the retention of the after-birth. For at least seven days no attempt should be made to force the production of milk, let the young cow completely recover from calving before expecting her to milk to her full capacity. The proper development of many a good heifer has been spoilt by careless treatment on the first calving. A heifer with a hard swollen udder is often a ticklish thing to milk, and has the makings of a kicker if not handled with care and patience. A short-tempered man should never attempt it. What is wanted in the dairy business is not a cow that will give good results for a few weeks, but one that will do well as long as she is on four feet, healthy, and fed well.