The Diary.

Otago Witness, Volume 15, Issue 1487, 15 May 1880, Page 6

The Diary.

MILK FEVER IN OOWS.

Alderneys, Ayrsbires, and superior milking Shorthorna are specially prone to suffer. B^efmaking subjects, which are poor milkers, are rarely struck down. Animala in a state of nature, in whom the milking capabilities are lightly developed, scarcely ever have milk fever ; hence its comparative rarity either in America or the Colonies. Exposure to cold or wet at the time of parturition is a frequent cause of the form of inflammation of the womb rightly described as puerperal apoplexy. Beside* careful feeding for a month befoie calving, restricting the quantity, and insisting on a rather laxative diet, not too rich, the udder should be drawn at least once a day, and, if much milk is secreted, two milkings daily may be requisite. Although this premature milking tells upon the subsequent yield of milk, it tolerably certainly ensures the secretion being taken up so soon as the calf is born ; indeed, so important is this practice regarded that some careful managers never allow their heaviest milkers to go quite dry between calvings. After parturition, it is expressly stated that " the udder is not to be drawn clean the first two milkings." This ia a mistake ; in all good milkers for a week after calving every particle of milk muet be scrupulously withdrawn, not twice, but thrice daily, in order to avoid irritation of the udder, and favour prompt and fall lacteal secretion. Exercise in a yard or field for Beveral hours daily during a few weeks before calving is also desirable. The season of the year and the state of the pastures will determine whether the cow be at grass during the day or night, the important object of her confinement being to prevent overfeeding. A good milker, five, six, or seven years old, in high or improving condition, especially if Bhe has previously had a threatening or an attack of milk fever, and particularly if there has been no opportunity to prepare her by feeding or physic, had better, bo soon as she calves, lose a gallon of blood, have a dose of Epsom salts and treacle, and be coaxed to drink freely of tepid water.