THE BREEDING HEIFER

Otago Witness, Issue 3581, 31 October 1922, Page 13

THE BREEDING HEIFER

It frequently happens that the purebred heifer is well cared for as a calf, but when weaned is neglected and required to shift for herself. This, according to the advice of the Washington Bureau of Animals Industry (dealing with American conditions), ig a great mistake. While it is specially desirable that she be fed cheaply, it is also necessary that the heifer kept for breeding purposes should" grow a!) the time and be kept in a vigorous and strong condition. As she increases in age. cheaper and more bulky foods should be used, but they must be fed liberally. Inferior breeding animals are largely respons ble for “scrubs,” but the empty feed-stack adds many more to the list. Subject to the point that the heifer should be kept on pasture as much of the time as possible, and that if good pasture is available during the summer no other food will be needed till late m the autumn, a dailv ration is recommended, this consisting of 151 b to 2Clb of silage (or roots), 41b or 51b of clover hay, with a little other dry roughage, such as straw or pasture hay, the amount depending on the age of the heifer. Silage is thought to be specially suitable for such heifers, hut if neither this nor roots are available the grain ration icd to the calf up to weaning time should he continued in slightly increasing quantities. When about 20 months old. the heifer may be put lo the hull, and the ration after tout time should be sufficient for her own rrrewth and the development of the young calf. The mineral matter of the ration, as provided in the legumes and common salt, is important for her at this time, especially tlie lime, phosphates, magnesium, and iron content. A lack of these substances will result in a weak, small-boned call being dropped, and the effort of the cow to supply them from her own body will weaken or stop her growth. Unless well fed and cared for she will be unable at the same time to give sufficient milk to nourish it. property without an additional strain upon tier own" body. Previous to calving lime the ration, especially the bulky part of it, should be reduced and made slightiy uxativc Wheat bran, oats, and linseed oil meal are suitable for the purpose. If the animal is on pasture no special attention to the ration in this respect need be given. During the winter, however, clover or lucerne hay should be provided if possible. I ittle maize, cotton-seed meal, or similar foods should be given previous to calving. Very li*tie assistance, if any, will be needed if the heifer has been properly fed and caved for up to calving lime, and has had plenty of exercise. This is especially true

if the calving is in good weather, and the cow is allowed to calve on pasture. Oow* that drop their calves on pasture raxciy need any attention at tho time. It is important that she is not disturbed by other animals, and it is advisable, if possible, to put hex into a small pasture by herself at tiliis time, and away from ponds, streams, or rough hillsides. In winter, a well-bedded box stall should bo provided. In this tho heifer should not be tied, but have the full freedom of the stall. It is host to keep out of sight as muoh as possible, but observing her occasionally, so as to be ready to give any help if needed. After the oedf has been dropped allow* the mother to core for lb alone, but keep them under observation to see that the calf is able soon to stand and suck. The important thing is that the calf shall have the mother's first milk. WAIRARAPA SHOW. (Irom Our North Island Correspondent.) Hie Wairarapa and East ('cast Pastoral and Agricultural Society’s show, held at Carterton attracted a record entry, 462 entries of cattle being received, as against 371 last year, whilst sheep also showed a gratifying increase, the entries being about 75 in excess of last year, the pointings being 383, as against 303. In the cattle classes Jerseys were represented by 85 entries, Friesians 70, Ayrshires 45. milkingShorthorns 25, Herefords and Abcrdcon Angus by lesser numbers. Romney Marsh headed the sheep ether breeds being poorly represented. "1 he association were favoured with delightful weather, Thursday being like a fine summer's day. The attendance was very large.