ut it is decidedly
preferable, since the calves cost less, as the food can be easily
modified, and the growth is not checked, as is usually the case when the
calf is taken off from the cow. Allusion is here made, of course, to
sections where the milk of the cow is of some account for the dairy, and
where it is too valuable to be devoted entirely to nourishing the calf.
In this case, as soon as the calf is dropped the cow is allowed to lick
off the slimy moisture till it is dry, which she will generally do from
instinct, or, if not, a slight sprinkling of salt over the body of the
calf will immediately tempt her. The calf is left to suck once or twice,
which it will do as soon as it is able to stand. It should, in all
cases, be permitted to have the first milk which comes from the cow,
which is of a turbid, yellowish color, unfit for any of the purposes of
the dairy, but somewhat purgative and medicinal, and admirably and
wisely designed by Nature to free the bowels and intestines of the
new-born animal from the mucous, excrementitious matter always existing
in it after birth. Too much of this new milk may, however, be hurtful
even to the new-born calf, while it should never be given at all to
older calves. The best course would seem to be--and such is in
accordance with the experience of the most successful stock-raisers--to
milk the cow dry immediately after the calf has sucked once, especially
if the udder is painfully distended, which is often the case, and to
leave the calf with the cow during one day, and after that to feed it by
putting the fingers into its mouth, and gently bringing its muzzle down
to the milk in a pail or trough when it will imbibe in sucking the
fingers. No great difficulty will be experienced in teaching the calf to
drink when taken so young, though some take to it much more readily than
others. What the calf does not need should be given to the cow. Some,
however, prefer to milk immediately after calving; and, if the udder is
overloaded, this may be the best course, though the better practice
appears to be, to leave the cow as quietly to herself as possible for a
few hours. The less she is disturbed, as a general thing, the better.
The after-birth should be taken from her immediately after it is
dropped. It is customary to give the cow, as soon as convenient after
calving, some warm and stimulating drink--a little meal stirred into
warm water, with a part of the first milk which comes from her,