DAIRY COWS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 October 1938, Page 3

DAIRY COWS

RUGGING DURING WINTER. INCREASED MILK YIELD. The dairy farmer who rugs his cattle during winter weather usually reaps the advantage of an undiminished cream return. Many other farmers would like to follow suit, but are deterred by the cost of buying a good warm rug. There is no reason, however, why a farmer so placed should not make his own cow rugs. All that is required are the necessary number of corn sacks, a ball of twine, a packing needle, and ordinary ingenuity. A warm rug can be made out of two corn bags, but for a big beast three bags might be necessary. Split the bag down the seams, sew them together, and place on the cow. After getting the right fit, cut off a strip of begging so that the rug will not hang too low. This strip cut off may then be folded and sewn to the rug as a thigh strap. r 3?he front of the rug is then fitted by turning up the corners and sewing them to the sides of the rug. This strengthens the rug and obviates the necessity for cutting off the spare portion, which the cow would otherwise tread on. Neck and other fastenings may be easily fashioned to make the rug complete. This home-made rug will keep the cow warm, and after a few days’ wear will become practically waterproof. The rug can be slipped off and on quite easily, and it is advisable to remove it every day, except in bleak or rainy weather. Each cow’s name may be painted on its own rug. Rugging will certainly increase winter milk production.