ere) any ss ‘ WW Tinie o AAS S SARA RRRORAAN SNR SIN WRAY SHY SSQQg NS ~ RAY IN WAY ~ SNS SS RAS SN Sean SSRN SS SSS S RRA AAA . SSE SS RS REESE SS BN EMV RVA gy . ; WS SS TRANS SS WAN Wek) S SS SY \ rat Sy SSS SAA RN SAVAKTVK AN SAAHy SESS Ne NY a> x Wat) IS \ SONY Ak os SS Wan Neer) RARREANY . SN SOAS SN SN N ss 2 & & xX & ROR LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, op eee. Coal ee hats Wei ey PEPE. STOCK BREEDERS’ MANUAL. BREEDING, REARING, AND TREATMENT OF DISEASE IN FARM STOCK, sil se / Wigs K SSS =| =| ——— 4 = Gere vai i i) | Ny i) na pan SNES NRCS NON N CONC NINN NO NN ALN NON NOEL WEL INQLUDING THE ISEASES AND ACCIDENTS INCIDENTAL TO REGNANCY AND PARTURITION, ay ae STUART, VETERINARY SURGEON, Veterinary Editor “Ohio Farmer” and ‘Cleveland Weekly Plain Dealer,’’ Author of the ‘Every Day Treatment of the Horse,” ‘‘Typhoid Fever in Domestic Animals,” ‘‘ Hog Cholera,” “ Trichina,” Etc. hi ASSISTED BY HIS SON, DR. J. T. STUART, VETERINARY SURGEON, CHICAGO VETERINARY COLLEGE. CLEVELAND: WHITWORTH BROS. 1888, — Copyri “aa t4e 1888. By Dr. G STUART AND J. a STUART. PREFACE. I have the honor to answer inquiries every day from the subscribers of the Okzo Farmer and Weekly Plain Dealer, as veterinary editor of each paper. : I may state that the universal circulation of the Okzo Farmer in every civilized country of the world has in- duced us to publish to every stock breeder the long-felt want of practical information in the plainest language, not only as a treatise on the diseases of the domestic animals, but a preventive of the various diseases to which they are liable. The several chapters, fully illustrated, on dystocia, or abnormal presentation of the young at birth, never has been so plainly laid before the stock breeder by any author, either veterinarian or stock breeder,in America. Therefore we have been induced to respond to the request of many to publish this work. We do not consider that success and development in the breeding and prosperity of our American fine stock is, or ever has been, achieved by the veterinarian. No! although they lay great stress on the supposed 50,000,000 live stock in the United States, we spurn to lay claim to any such honor. It is to the intelligence, energy, and good judgment of our American stock breeders alone, who deserve the honor; and would have been done if there had never been a veterinarian on the 4 THE STOCK BREEDERS’ MANUAL. face of the earth. The losses sustained by our stock breeders, caused by abortion, premature parturition, and_unnatural presentation, are much more serious than any one has any idea. We are fully aware that we have grappled with a serious task, and defects will doubtless be discovered. We have not only given practical treatment in disease, diagnosed from the description of the owner, but we have fully demonstrated, by illustration, the simplest, plainest, and most successful principle, all founded on forty-three yearspractice in the veterinary profession. Dr. G.- STUART, Vac= Dr. J. To STUART, Vea Cleveland, Ohio, Fuly 1, 1888. INTRODUCTION: Obstetrical physiology or parturition of the animal race is so little understood, that I have been induced to offer owners and breeders of stock important informa- tion regarding parturition, and saving the lifeof dam and offspring. I have made the operation of colting, calving, lambing, and farrowing, plainly illustrated, as I have found them in my daily practice with the best known plan and practical effort to save both mare and Eoleeas well as cow and calf. Parturition, with all female life, causes a peculiar changeinthesystem. The anatomy, physiology, and pathology, which are directly related to the process of generation, gestation, and par- turition, as well as that act itself, belong to the section of obstetrics to which the designation of dystocia (or difficult parturition) has been given. We will discuss each of these subjects in the order in which they have come under our practice, com- mencing with the pelvis and the internal organs of generation. OBSTETRICAL ANATOMY. The female organs chiefly concerned in generation and parturition are either entirely or passive, or more or less active, according as they are composed of hard, bony, or soft parts. The pelvis constitutes the first, while the second are composed of the organs and 6 THE STOCK BREEDERS’ MANUAL. structures contained within, or more or less directly attached to it. It also forms the canal or passage by which the foetus has to traverse in order to reach the external world in the act of parturition. The soft organs are the vulva, vagina, uterus, ova- ries,and mamma. The latter furnish the young crea- ture with its proper nourishment immediately after birth. Of these soft organs some are external, and others are internal; the first are the vulva and mamma, and the second are the vagina, uterus, and ovaries, Thr vagina and the greater portion of the unimpreg- natea uterus are contained in the cavity of the pelvis; and the ovaries, as well as the uterus during pregnancy, are lodged in the abdomen. This work will commence with an examination of the pelvis in the various domestic animals, beginning with a description of the bones that are in any way in- volved; then the hgaments; and lastly, the osseous structure, which is of great importance when consid- ered asa whole. Afterwards, the external and inter- nal organs of generation will be minutely described — and illustrated, and the difference noted in the various species. The equine and bovine species will be taken as the type, and the difference in other species com- pared with it. CELA. PEGEY tf: THE PELVIS. ZB S PELVIS OF THE Cow. A-ILIUM. B-PUBIS. C-ISCHIUMEN. D-FORAMEN OVALE. E-ISCHTATIC SPINE. F-COTYLOID CAVITY. G-TUBEROSITY OF THE ISCHIUM. The pelvis isa large symmetrical, more or less hori- zontal cavity or canal, which continues the abdomen posteriorly, with which it communicates in front. It is formed of strong, bony, and ligamentous walls, and contains, and sustains, and protects a portion of the genito-urinary apparatus, as well as the portion of the alimentary canal. It is situated toward the end of the 8 THE STOCK BREEDERS’ MANUAL. Spine, and is supported by the posterior extremities with which it is connected with joints and muscles. For the hind limbs, as well as some of the powerful muscles of the trunk, the pelvis constitutes a most powerful fulcrum or fixed point in various movements. It is one of the mechanical elements concerned in the act of parturition, and its form varies more or less in different species, though its direction is always rectilin- ear in our domestic animals, and not incurvated, as in the human species. SECTION 1 <—— BONES OF - TELE “PELEV is: The pelvis is composed of three principal bones, the two cox, or ossa innominata, and the sacrum, and to a certain extent of the coccygeal, or tail bones. At an early period of life these bones can be subdivided, but after a certain time they become consolidated. Each coxal bone, for instance, is, at an early stage of extra uterine existence, composed of cartilage only; subse- quently three centres of ossification appear, and these extend until at birth they coalesce to form three bones which are united by cartilage. In addition to these centres two complementary nuclei are present, one of which constitutes what is termed the anterior iliac crest or spine, and the iliopectineal line or ridge, and the other the ischiatic tuberosity. After birth the three chief portions of the coxze are completely ossified, and meet in the acetabulum, where they are closely joined, and at the pubic symphysis, where the coxa of one side meets its fellow of the other side. In youth the differ- ent parts of each coxa are very thick, the spongy tis- sue being abundant, and the compact tissue scanty; as THE STOCK BREEDERS’ MANUAL. 9 the animal advances in age, the former diminishes and the latter increases in density and thickness, the two layers closely approaching each other. CHAPTER. II: ’ DESCRIPTION AND NAMES OF THE DIFFERENT BONES OF THE PELVIS AND DIFFERENCE IN THE ANATOMY BETWEEN THE MALE AND FEMALE. My object in illustrating and showing the pelvis is to show the difference between the space and width of the mare and the cow, the ewe bearing a close re- semblance to the cow in that particular, asthe hog does to the horse, the hog having a very narrow pelvis; while the ewe has a wide pelvis. The wideness of the calf and lamb across the forehead, and the difference of the fore part of the colt and pig. Nature has made ample provision for the exit from uterine life, to extensions of the lungs and aerated circulation when in contact with the oxygen of the air. SECTION II. The coxa or 0s innominatum is a porous bone, there being one on each side; it belongs to the trunk through its concurrence in the formation of the pelvis, and also of the posterior limb, of which it constitutes the first ray or haunch. I have shown and explained the coty- loid cavity or acetabulum in which the corresponding articular head of the femur is lodged and moves, where hip joint lameness is the seat either by fracture or dislocation; the cervix or part of the femur bone of the IO THE STOCK BREEDERS’ MANUAL. thigh is sometimes injured by an animal being backed against a post or other obstruction, or by a sudden or severe fall. All tend to cause injury to the cartilage that surrounds the edge of the cup or condyle of the pelvis or cervix of the femur bone. Fracture of tire pelvis is often seen in the cow, and is caused by being too rapidly driven into the stable or barn; striking the side of the sill, because it projects beyond the square of the ribs. .In some cases where the pelvis at ae fractured from the outside, it seriously interferes with parturition, and unless the pelvis is small, death is the result; but if the operator can cut the foetus to pieces, called embryotomy, without injury to the dam, then her life may be saved. I would not recommend breeding from any animal, however well-bred, where the ilium is fractured, not interfering with the pelvis space, no trouble will result.. The ilium, or hook bone, as 1645 jae ter known, gives its name to the region it occupies. ft 1s: the largest) of the. three bones, .as: wells that bone which is most elevated. Its external or superior face, or dorsum, is marked by some muscu- lar imprints, and is curved in its parts to form a concave space, the external iliac fossa which lodges the gluteal muscles. The internal or inferior face, or. venter, offers a smooth external portion; the iliac surface into which is implanted the iliac fossa or iliacus muscle; and the internal diarthrodial surface, most apparent from behind. The articular facet for articulation with the sacrum. Figure 4 shows a fracture at the ilium, outer edge, at H in the illustration, which has been in- jured by contact with the side of the door post and frac- THE STOCK BREEDERS’ MANUAL. II tured at the part where the bone has the least protection and is driven into the space against the rectum at I, inter- fering with the act of parturition. This specimenis that of a year old heifer which I advised for beef instead of keeping in the herd for breeding purposes. I think I have never seen a more successful case than when I spayed several heifers. One of them had the hook bone knocked in. She made beef at the rate of one and three-fourths pounds a day from the time she was spayed. She was weighed by the owners one week after, and her weight at that time was not included. Some weeks they averaged two pounds, and others again one and one-half per day. They were soldin Cleveland for beef and gave a fair return to the owner and good result to the butcher. The author had the honor of an invitation to a banquet where the beef was served in fine style. Every one of the twenty gentlemen present gave it as their opinion that spaying will some day become a necessity in order to attain the highest price for the sweetest and finest quality of beef. It is to the butcher as the capon isto the poulterer. Beef at twenty-five and one-fourth cents per pound, easy fed, gives the best return, and most satisfaction to feeder, seller, and consumer. CHAPTER ILE. BONES OF THE TAIL OF THE MARE AND VAGINAL CAVITY. As the coccygeal bones of the tail of our domestic animals are so seldom referred to, either in health or disease, it will not be out of place to give the following 12 THE STOCK BREEDERS’ MANUAL. remarks a prominent place here. The bones of the tail. of the mare in number are from fifteen to eighteen, im- mediately behind the sacrum, the first three of which ought properly to belong. to the pelvis, as they form the base of the tail. They are small, cylindrical, or irregularly prismatic pieces, and there are several dis- eases that take place by accident, and are otherwise caused by injury, which will be more fully described later in this work. The difference again between the cow and mare is this, that the coccygeal bones are stronger and more tuberous; they are from sixteen to twenty in number. The pelvis of the cow is, therefore, more de- veloped than that of the mare, and has more extensive bony walls. My object is to show that the form and direction has a notable influence in the mechanism of parturition. As I have before stated, the pelvis of the ewe greatly resembles that of the cow, the differ- ence being that the pelvis of the ewe is more horizontal and straight. The pelvis ot the pig resembles that of the mare. The crest of the ilium is convex, the pubis is narrow, and the ischium, instead of a crest, has a tuberous prominence. The sacrum is formed of four vertebrz, which are not consolidated fora long time, and we have sometimes a difficulty to discover where it ends and the coccyx begins. The spinous processes are absent, and the neural arch being deficient on each side, the spinal canal is open above. At this particular part the sciatic nerve is prominent, which accounts for paralysis of the hind legs taking place after parturition as in cases of milk fever or excessive straining. The sciatic nerves, placed, as it were, in close proximity to any THE STOCK BREEDERS’ MANUAL. 13 pressure in the pelvic circle, are acted on by the action of the foetal life, and cause cramps to pregnant animals towards their time of parturition. In the operation of parturition | will refer to this particular point so as to define clearly the relief of severe pains during the process. The cavity of the pelvis is the space between the inlet and outlet. In the human species it lodges nearly the whole of the uterus, and in the early days of preg- nancy the foetus also. This is not the case with the domestic animals, owing to the difference in attitude, until the act of parturition carries the progeny there. With its two openings the pelvic cavity is capable of more or less increase in capacity in different directions, through relaxation of the pubis and sacro-iliac articu- lations, and sacro-sciatic ligaments. The yielding of the latter is very noticeable in the larger animals, im- mediately betore parturition, as well as the elevation of the coccyx by the body of the foetus in its passage out- ward. It is also a fact that the pelvis widens perma- nently in aged animals that have had young frequently in progression, and is due to persistent relaxation in the articulations above described. When assistance is required, always bear upon the lower part of the pelvis, as by drawing straight the difficulty becomes more com- plex and serious, first, by pressure on the upper part of the ilium, causing unnecessary pain to the dam, and second, running a risk of injury to the back of the young, whereby numerous inquiries are received for reply to the effect of paralysis to the back, the colt or calf not being able to stand up for the first week 14 THE STOCK BREEDERS’ MANUAL. after birth. Theischium, immediately above the obtu- rator foramen, rises abruptly to almost a right angle; this is the narrowest part of the canal, and here it is that the foetus is obstructed in small females which have been impregnated by larger animals than their own breed. We find that the small-boned, narrow-ribbed Texas is not a suitable mare to be bred to a large Clyde or Percheron. Good judgment is required in the breed- ing and the management, so as to be a success. We want well sprung, round ribs, and wide hook-bones as a matter of safety in parturition. The subject of pelvimetry is of great importance to the stock-breeder, because, by understanding the structural development, he is able to see the propri- ety of acting according to circumstances in the case, as the less value of animal life leads the operator, when in difficulties, to sacrifice the colt or calf rather than en- danger the life of the mother. AIl appliances and in- struments will be illustrated in this work in the proper place as we go on. Professor Chauveau, in his measurement of the mare’s pelvis: “1 do not see it at all necessary in this work to enter into detail, as among our largest, as well as the smallest of our domestic animals, there is so wide a difference. I have seen a broad set, low leg mare throw a large colt, and a cow the same. When full grown the mother was quite dwarfed, when standing side by side, so any further loss of space need not be - taken to illustrate that part any further than to state that the shape of the mare is not fully developed till she has brought forth young.” THE STOCK BREEDERS’ MANUAL. 15 CHAPTER IV. CESTRUM EVOLUTION, OR THE SEASON OF HEAT. In some breeds of cattle we find the season of evo- lution appears earlier than others. The small breeds are the only class that seem to produce this offspring with in the year. Among those of that description that have shown themselves productive at so early a stage in life are the Shetland, Skye, Jersey, Alderney, Stark, and Jer- sey, although, as a rule, the larger breeds are not so susceptible to evolution. [I am not an advocate for pre- mature breeding, as the rule holds good that witha small, weak dam to begin with, weak offspring is often the re- sult. It is always best to breed from mature animals, say the heifer to be always one year old before concep- tion, so that she may be one year and nine months old when she has her first calf. And if a good habit is to be formed by early maturity, then I consider that is early enough. When the heifer comes in heat see that she is kept from the rest of the stock in order to avoid the many evils that often happen by a heavy animal inter- fering with her, where several animals have been ruined for life by having their backs or hind parts sprained. The proper way is to remove the young heifer to a quiet place for a few hours, till she is cool. Then served quietly, returning again,and keeping her quiet for at least ten hours before allowing her to go with the 16 THE STOCK BREEDERS’ MANUAL. rest of the herd, as if she be returned to the herd be- fore the evolution is cooled off, by her jumping other cattle and creating a secondary excitement, she will cast the semen, and she is then in a precarious state to con- ceive again. Then the art of the empyric is called in to fool the owner by acting the juggler, by opening the womb. What a power of sound reasoning is against such abnormal practice! I do not intend to devote a single line in this work to show up the fallacy of argu- ment against it, as any reasoning stock-owner can see the folly of it. Always serve a mare or cow on an empty stomach; itis natural practice with all animals, either wild or domestic. No animal can settle to eat till nature. is satished. Therefore, they mustjsayegam empty stomach. A wild animal will go into retirement after conception, and a domestic animal the same if they have the same facility. Keeping a heifer light of food for ten hours after conception is allin her favor. In eighteen days she ought to be looked after. Should there be any signs of annoyance from any of her associates, have her re- moved so as to prevent any trouble. If the bull is all the time with the stock at pasture, then he will attend to her and keep the cows from interfering. Uhevhenen now being with calf, a change has become visible. — She becomes more quiet, seems to rest more qimew either in pasture or in the barn, and lies more, and seems to spend more of her time ruminating. The mesenteric glands begin to swell, the milk veins fill up, her udder begins to swell, and the teats to elongate. When within three months of her time the udder will have under- ~ gone a decided change, as it will have taken on an in- THE STOCK BREEDERS’ MANUAL. 17 ‘flammatory appearance. Some days it will appear as if it was creating great suffering, while the whole sys- tem is undergoing a peculiar change, preparatory to parturition. Again, at another time, she looks as if she had forgotten the promise and gone back against production. The sure symptom is when the pelvis bones give way, when she must be watched as in all cases of parturition. Whenever the feet are seen making their appearance through the placenta in the vagina, the sooner assistance is rendered the better, as the less straining, the less exhaustion, and more strength is saved; and last, but not least, less suffering. It is sel- dom that there is need for more than one person if properly attended to. Should the heifer be lying, see that everything is clean. Go quietly up to her, break or burst the placenta or water bag; then seize the feet of the calf with both hands, then take a piece of cloth in each hand, and take hold of the feet, drawing slowly towards the udder. Whenever the heifer assists by straining, see that you are making progress. If you find that you are not making progress toward delivery, now is the time to call for an assistant. If she should rise to her feet, place a bunch of straw behind her, so that the calf may not be injured when on to the ground. Draw the fingers through the calt’s mouth, so that there may be no interference to prevent breathing. If the calf is to be suckled, then be very careful in placing the young thing before the heifer. A very good plan is to sprinkle a little oatmeal or bran with salt over the calf before giving to the dam, so she will lick it clean and dry. Milk the cow clean in every case, and if the heifer has been tied by the head, as is _ 18 THE STOCK BREEDERS’ MANUAL. the best way, assist the calf when it begins to walk, to suck, and if the heifer is turned into a box stall fora day or two, where she can have liberty to admire and lick her offspring, she may be turned to pasture if in season, and the pasturedry. But do not turn out a new- calved cow on wet grass. Let her remain two hours the first day, and longer every day after if she is doing well. One thing, above all others, must be attended to, that is, to see that the bag is milked clean several times a day ; as if left entirely to the calf, there is often more than the young thing can take, and the result is often garget or inflammation of the udder. The reason why I so earnestly charge my readers on this point is, that sometimes the calf will suck the teats of one side clean, while he will not suck the teats on the other side, and _one or other of the quarters becomes the prey to udder clapp or garget. When the teat is drawn, it will only yield curdled milk, or worse, a kind of slimy scum. [See Treatment of Garget.] Ifthe calf has to be taken away from the dam, she will require to be milked not less than three times a day, as has been her wont, and see that her udder is at all times kept in a healthy con- dition. CHAPTER. ¥, GENERATION AND CONCEPTION. In entering upon the field of generation and con- ception, and illustrating the generative organs of the THE STOCK BREEDERS’ MANUAL. 19 mare, I know that I hold views quite contrary to some of those supposed to be understood by breeders and stock-owners generally, but as proof of the cor- rectness of the same I shall make every point plain, and show the fallacy of opening the neck of the uterus in preparation for the reception of the male. CELA Pr EE. Vv E. GENERATIVE ORGANS OF THE MARE. The genital organs of the female are much more complicated than those of the male from the far greater share they take in the process of generation. They are usually described according to their situation, as external or internal, or from their function as copu- lative and formative. | Proceeding from the exterior to the interior these organs may be enumerated as follows: The vulva, and mamma or mammary glands, the vagina, uterus, fallo- pian tubes, and ovaries. We will describe these in the above mentioned order, taking the mare again as the type, and indicating the difference in the other domes- tic animals. PAKT I-—THE VULVA. The external orifice of the generative organs, the vulva, appears as a vertically eiongated slit, situated beneath the anus, between the perineum and ischial 20 THE STOCK BREEDERS’ MANUAL. arch, and the posterior margin of the two hind quarters. It presents two thick lips or labia, and two commis- sures, externally; and internally it forms acavity, which is confounded with that of the vagina, and extends be- yond the meatus urinarius. The limit between the vulva and vagina is not perceptible in the adult, but is always conspicuous in the foetus. The labia vulve or lips are usually in contact with the rime vulve, al- though they vary in size, according to age and con- dition. They are slightly prominent and thick, being composed of fine, smooth, flexible, and elastic tissue, which is covered with fine, smooth, unctuous skin, desti- tute of hair, but rich in pigment in the majority of ani- mals. Internally, they are covered with mucous mem- brane, a continuation of that lining the vagina, and which is constantly lubricated by a greasy mucus, pos- sessing a special odor, according to the species of the animal; on the free border of the vulva this membrane and skin meet. PARA aul. At the junction of the labia above and below are the commissures, due to this junction. The superior commissure is situated close to the anus, from which it is only separated by a narrow space, the perineum. The cavity of the vulva sometimes contains the hymen, which separates it from the vagina at a certain period of life; it also contains the meatus urinarius, and its valve, as well as the clitoris. I now leave what I might add, an amount of other explanation, which, I think, is unnecessary in this case. Suffice it to say, that there are no labia in the lower animals. The posterior con- THE STOCK BREEDERS’ MANUAL. 0) strictor of the vulva is very powerful in acting during copulation; it contracts the vagina and compresses the penis, by reason of its attachment to the clitoris, etc. PARE IEE It is at this point, for reasons I may give, that I de- cline to explain further, but object very seriously to the principle of some breeders performing artificial amor- osity while, if the animal is affected with the heat, or symptoms of evolution, there is no need of interfering with nature. Conception is impeded,-and even abor- tion is aggravated by such wanton interference. BARE. The clitoris is more especially the seat of vene- real excitation during coition. It is present in all do- mestic female animals, and is always erected while they are in heat, as well as in the act of copulation. The clitoris is abundantly supplied with nerves, which en- dow it with most acute sensibility, and the mucous membrane enveloping it is usually dark colored or mar- bled, though in white mares and horses it is, or may be, colorless. The meatus urinarius is the orifice of the urethra, which is avery short canal in the female. This canal passes immediately beneath the anterior sphincter muscle of the vulva, and after a brief course (about two inches) in the textures composing the floor of the vagina opens into the vulvar cavity at from four to six inches from its exterior. his opening, which is the floor of the cavity, is covered by a wide duplicature of the lining membrane that acts as and is designated, the valve of the meatus or vaginal (valvula vagine). Its 22 THE STOCK BREEDERS’ MANUAL. free border is turned backwards, and it would thus ap- pear to direct the urine toward the external opening of the vulva, and prevent its reflex into the vagina. We have several French and German authors that consider that this valve is more extensive when the vagina is narrow, and is more prominent when the female is young. Author Brugone was of opinion that it was attached to the upper surface of the vagina by a small cord, and that it was the rupture of this by the forced entrance of the penis which caused the slight flow of blood from the vulva observed in mares put to the horse for the first time. This is, without doubt, the hymen to which he refers—a membrane found in the filly, though not in the mare, or at least seldom, but which, when present, separates the vulvar from the vaginal cavity. This membrane forms a circular par- tition fixed by its circumference to the vulvo-vaginal walls along with the valve of the meatus, and is perfor- ated by one or more openings, which are sometimes very small. PART WV: Not infrequently old brood mares show in this situ- ation pediculated appendices, which are the debris of the mucous diaphragm. Theurethral orifice of the mare is wider thanthat of the horse,.and it will readily admita much larger catheter. In passing that instrument it is well to remember that the urethral canal curves forward and downward, and that the valve must be raised either with the instrument or the point of the fore finger be- fore the passage can be entered. I speak more plainly of this part of veterinary education, as I have come in THE STOCK BREEDERS’ MANUAL. 23 contact with several veterinarians that could not draw the water from the horse, either because they had not the proper instrument, or did not know how to use it, while the horse suffered most severe pain for over two hours till I relieved him. After he was relieved he shook himself like a dog that had been wet by swim- ming in the water. I will here give a point that is gen- erally unknown to. horse-breeders. It is this. The labia usually exhibit as many wrinkles or folds as the mare has had colts. That was delineated in cases of post-mortem. During the cestrum, or especially to- ward the termination of pregnancy, the labia become tumefied and soft, the interior commissure descends, the vulvar opening is enlarged, and from it is dis- charged a quantity of tenacious, stringy mucus. CHAP TEE y It: THE Cow IN HEALTH AND DISEASE. Second in importance to no other animals is the cow to the farmer. On that account the farmer or stock breeder ought to be fully educated as to her treatment in health and disease. For that object is this work pub- lished, so that every breeder may have at command a work that describes the cow in health and disease. How many hundred animals are lost every year for the want of skilland information to treat intelligently 24. THE STOCK BREEDERS’ MANUAL. injuries, accidents, and disease, that could be saved if the breeders only knew how to proceed. “A stitchin time” is valuable advice to follow. Therefore the main object of this work is to fill a long-felt want in the library of breeders and stock raisers. The proper mode of feeding cows varies according to circumstance. The prairie cow is more the animal in a natural state than this work will dwell upon, dealing strictly with the cow in a domestic state. Care and proper feeding is the first point to be considered in order to make her what sheis designed to be, a source of profit to the owner both as regards her produce as a stock producer, and her value as her milking, cream, butter,and flesh pro- duction. If kept for the dairy, the produce of which is sold in the city, quality as well as quantity ought to be a criterion in her treatment and feeding. If kept for private family use, quantity is not so much an object as quality. If kept for butter production, quantity and quality must be considered, especially where calf-raising is made a principle with feeding skim milk or whey. Feeding cows for the cheese factory require more attention tou make a success than is usually given them, grain fed with grass will pay better than grass fed alone, and as I proceed with this work I shall mention as the case may require, the best known results as shown by various experiments for the production of the highest standard of rich producing milk. As I have remarked in my preface, I shall not enter into detail as to the origin or breed of cattle, but keep strictly to the text as defined in regard to every day treatment. Beginning with the calf and his man- agement, I shall give my experience in raising for beef, THE STOCK BREEDERS’ MANUAL. 25 by feeding both cow and calf at the sametime. If the calf is allowed to suckle, attention must be given the cow that the bag is kept free of milk‘for the first two weeks, and the surplus milk that the calf is not able to consume carefully and cleanly drawn off in order to prevent garget or inflammation of the udder. Should the milk become clotted great care will be required to be taken by frequent fomentations of warm soap suds, and at the same time drawing the teats as you rub and foment the bag. No liniment can be used externally on the udder, as it will besure to nauseate the calf, and although you draw as it were every drop of milk, as you suppose, from the cow, she will let down her milk to the calf when she will not give it by hand. Another point is to keep cow and calf in a dry, warm atmosphere with good ventilation, and room enough to let the youth have play and exercise, asis his wont. The food after the first three weeks ought to be of the most nu- tritious kind. In this country, where oil or rape cake is not popular as feeding stuffs, three parts of ground oats to one of corn, as mixture with bran, is the most whole- some of all foods, both for young and mature stock, pro- ducing the finest flavored and richest milk, not having the oily flavor of oil cake, nor the sharp smell or mustard flavor of rape cake. Oats, corn, hay, or grass is the best both for quality of milk to feed the suckling, producing the beef in either the one or the other. In cities where swill feed or brewers’ grains are to be had, the miik is of the poorest kind, being ninety- eight per cent. of water. The milk in a great many cases becomes putrid in five or six hours in warm weather after being taken from the cow, Heifers fed 26 THE STOCK BREEDERS’ MANUAL. by suckling the cow, asa rule teed more kindly than bull calves; and make finer beef, but in cases ditier in weight. It is a stock-breeders’ motto never to lose the real beef, but let the calf have the privilege of feed- ing with the cow, as they will do fourteen days after birth. Care must at all times be taken not to let them -want hay or corn stalks, as if they are fed on barley or wheat straw they are apt to become constipated, and evil results may follow. Should the calf become con- stipated from any cause, take molasses, one-half pound; magnesia, one-half ounce; mix in gruel, give the calf warm oncea day. But should the cow become constipated, take one pound of epsom salts; one pound of molasses ; one-half ounce of magnesia, in one quart of warm gruel ; drench the cow with it three times a week, if the bow- els do not respond at either the first or second time. The calf will in that case get the benefit of the medicine as well as the cow. Should the cow not cleanse prop- erly a cleansing drench is made up thus: Take epsom salts, one pound; jalap, one ounce; gentian, one dram; molasses, one pound; oat meal or oil meal gruel, one quart; all well mixed, warm and given in one drench, with thia, warm, sloppy bran mash afterward, so as to relieve impaction of the third stomach, as is often the case when fed on dry food. Again, it is often the case when cattle are stalled in boxes, that unless they are _well bedded and kept clean they will become affected with foul feet, and often lose flesh till the evil is no- ~ -ticed. The most effective remedy known is STUART’S HEALINE. It will commence the healing process the moment it is applhed. Directions on every box. .The various diseases attendant on parturition and calf- THE STOCK BREEDERS’ MANUAL. 27 hood will be taken up and plainly discussed as the work progresses. CHAPTER V Ur. BREEDING. As I have already stated, I do not intend to enter into detail as to any particular breed, but treat the cow as a purely domestic animal, fully under the control of man, not even getting a drink of water by her own free will. A single cow in the stable, kept for family use, and not for breeding, but to supply the family with the best quality of milk, is not the best to breed from, be- cause she is very often too fat, from pampering, confine- ment, and the want of exercise. When she has a calf it is very often small and puny. Where a cow is kept in confinement, and fed hay and mash, she is better not to be bred, as the milk is just as rich, and as the cow undergoes no excitement, the supply is more regular, even after she has had no calf for two years. But the dairyman that wants milk during the summer, for the cheese factory, requires every cow to have a calf, so as to give a full supply of milk during the cheese and but- ter-making season, and in the fall, when the factory is closed, he has no further use for milk, and lets his cows go dry; while in the city, the more milk that the dairy- man can make (quality no object, only quantity), swill- 28 THE STOCK BREEDERS’ MANUAL. feeding being the principal study, cows are not kept for breeding, as they are milked as long as they will pay and then sold for beef. Where breeding is strictly the object, the best class of pedigree stock should be be kept, and all is changed. The cow does not, in some cases, have her calf taken from her, but is allowed to suckle it till it has become nearly as large as the dam. Great care is required during the first few days of calf- hood, both for the cow and calf. In every case, the calf for the first two or three days is not able to con- sume the whole of the cow’s milk, and if the udder is extended in consequence, inflammation will set 1n, gar- get takes place, and the cow is ruined as a good dam afterwards. Whatever opinion to the contrary stock- owners may have, it is safe to milk the cow clean after the calf has had all it can take, for a few days at first. The flow of milk, as it were, will become adapted to the wants of the calf. It would seem as if nature adapts itself to this case as well as to that of the dairy cow that is milked clean three times a day, and fed accord- ingly. Cows that have been kept only to supply their own offspring are not the cows to keep for dairy pur- poses afterwards, as the lacteals, never having been developed, are insufficient to produce a paying quan- tity of milk, however well fed. Ifthe cowand calf are kept in a box stall till the calf is two or three months old, and then turned out to pasture, the greatest care must be taken to prevent the cow from becoming over- heated, as the calf will be sure to run, and the cow will often join in his play, frequently causing injury, either by running against some fence or stump, or the milk being overheated in the cow; trouble has often resulted THE STOCK BREEDERS’ MANUAL. 29 that has blighted all our hopes and brought disappoint- ment and discouragement to the owner. Whenever the milk is overheated the calf suffers from gripes, or it results in white rush, scouring so as to reduce the sys- tem, and being unable to take the supply of milk that is secreted, the milk will become curdled, and the calf will refuse to suck any teat that becomes affected ; then the cow suffers at the same time. It often happens that when a calf sucks, the cow, if in high condition, will come in heat the first six weeks. But I never approve of an early service, as it is rare that she con- ceives, and if she does, an abortion is almost sure to follow. Three months is about the natural period, and the most satisfactory to follow as a principle. The evils of inbreeding ought to be scrupulously avoided, as it leads to degeneracy of any particular breed. It is the opinion of. some breeders that inbreed- ing may be accomplished with success, but it is against the law of nature ina domestic point of view. Although the animals are perfect in health and development, de- generation will most assuredly follow if persevered in. A change of male in the herd every two years may be beneficial. A breeder of stock always has a purpose in view. If breeding for the dairy, he selects a male from a known good milk strain. If for butter, the same. If for beef, the same principle must be pursued to bea success. As is the case in Scotland and England, a two or three-year-old heifer is selected, in calf, and cow and calf are reared and fed all they can eat after the - first month. The calf never loses the veal till it is ready for the butcher, when the high price that the calf beef attained is a great inducement for a farmer, 30 THE STOCK BREEDERS’ MANUAL. where neither milk nor butter isacriterion. That prin- ciple of feeding gave the best results, as the outlay was only the heifer to begin with. It paid at a greater per- centage than if two store cattle were bought, and in most cases is more satistactory. CHAP TERR Am GESTATION. Gestation, or pregnancy, comprises the period the female carries its young while undergoing develop- ment. The consideration of this period is of much im- portance to the stock-breeders, and we will describe it from its normal, physiological point of view, pointing out more fully the anatomical and functional alterations attending it, the mode of recognizing it, its duration in various species of animals, modifications in the uterus during pregnancy, with the development of the foetus. The uterus undergoes important changes, while the system of the mother also participates more or less in the phenomena which mark the period of gestation. The changes of the uterus are those that relate to its volume, structure, form, situation, and direction. Our investigations with regard to volume have shown us that immediately after conception the uterus has be- . come congested, and a close examination of its internal surface will reveal the truth. The lymphatics are like- THE STOCK BREEDERS’ MANUAL. 31 wise augmented in number and dimensions, and the nerves that are comparatively small in unimpregnated animals, become enlarged, and form a sort of net-work similar to that of the vessels. The cornua, which is always conspicuous because of its firmness and density, can easily be detected by the operator while spaying thefemale. But during pregnancy this density is greatly diminished because it becomes softer. The horn of the uterus, as we call it, becomes a mass of mucous 1nter- nally, which is slowly discharged in small quantities for nine days after the removal of the placenta. Ancient and modern writers have not discovered anything new from structural changes in the uterus. The cotyledons are the same to-day, after conception, as they were in the days of Pliny, or even Aristotle—forty cotyledons before conception, and three times that number after conception. CRAP PEERY COMFORT OF COWS IN BARN AND FIELD. Cleanliness, it is said, is next to godliness. Where care and cleanliness are practiced a good reward is al- ways sure. Asa general rule, we find in most barns no particular provision made for the comfort of the cows, no space between the side of the barn and hind part of the cow, and when the cows are in the barn during the 32 THE STOCK BREEDERS’ MANUAL. winter, their hind feet stand all the time in manure and soaked in urine, in anything but a comfortable con- dition for the attendant or cow herself. Foul feet is - often the result, and when being milked, should she hft her foot, a portion of the adhesive substance is often a very unwelcome accompaniment to the flavor and qual- ity of the lacteal fluid, while it often happens that she receives a word of caution, not appropriate in the Sunday-school, or rude punishment, or both. Again,. some have them packed too closely, as we generally find where they are confined in stanchions. Of course, every farm barn is not large enough to have each in a box stall, but in a great many cases they are better standing wider than two and one-half feet apart. When two cows are lying down we see that the one standing between them has no room to lie down, and has to stand or crush herself between the two, and when heavy in calf, often doing injury, causing abortion, or treading on the udder of the one next her. When a byre is over-crowded, it becomes over-heated, and when the cows are continually standing in a warm, confined air their lungs become tender or enfee- bled, so that 1f by any mistake they are exposed to a sudden change of-atmosphere they become the easy prey of bronchial disease. Every cow ought to be so secured as to have the pleasure of licking herself on both sides while in the byre, and all feed ought to be contained in a receptacle below the level of the knee-joint, as if a cow should choke, her head being down, she has the power to cough it out, as when some cows are feeding they roll the bite in their mouth before they swallow it. The only objection to too much THE STOCK BREEDERS’ MANUAL. 33 room in the dairy is that one cow will gore her mate or stand with her hind-quarters up against another and drop her manure where the next has to lie down, there- by causing every cow to carry a quantity of filth around till the rains wash it off. Every cow, either in the barn or field, ought to be curried or brushed every day, the udder washed and dried before milking, their feet cleaned so as to remove any dirt or gravel from _be- tween the digits, as a preventive against the inroad of foul feet into the herd. When cows have been confined in the byre during the winter, we find their hind feet have grown to long points. By taking a sharp chisel and mallet, and cutting off the long points, the cow is enabled to walk better when turned to pasture. Bulls are worse than cows, as they are generally confined all the time. A barn so constructed, with two feet of space behind the cow, is anything but convenient when a cow requires assistance at the time of parturition. This point will be explained further on. It 1s impossible for the attendants to keep the milk clean where he has to crowd between the hind part of the cow and the wall of the barn. Cows that stand a long time in the barn without bedding are often the subjects of swelled knees, and when turned out seem as if they were suffering from rheumatism, as they are stiff and sore forward, and in some cases have the hair and skin rubbed off on the under part of the breast. A common custom is to fork the hay from the mow over the heads of the cat- tle, where the improved principle of feeding is not practiced, and cattle often get dust or hayseed into their eyes, suffering severe annoyance and pain un- known to the attendant. 34 THE STOCK BREEDERS’ MANUAL. In the month of April or May, when stock-owners are preparing their cattle for summer pasture, two hours are quite sufficient time to let them remain on pasture, as 1f they get too much young, luxuriant grass, they are often the subjects of hoove; and again, when suddenly turned from dry hay to grass, they begin scouring to such an extent that the condition at- tained in the barn is lost before they recover. Should a sudden shower of rain come on when the cattle are first turned out, no time should be lost to get them into the byre, as evil results often occur, especially the first week. After a warm shower, when the grass has got through the cattle, there is no danger. At this season every cow ought to be salted every other day, and every cow that has been turned out fresh ought to be care- fully watched, so that, when lying on the cold ground, “she does not become the subject of garget. It is good practice to have every cow examined every night to see if any one in the herd has been gored, and immediate steps taken to relieve the pain and injury at once. Young calves that have been lately weaned are often very troublesome if in the same pasture with the cows, either by sucking the cows, or getting gored by being forward in amusing themselves with other cattle. A sudden change of temperature will bring on chills, which are very deadly to calfhood. All weeds in the pasture of milking stock ought to be cut and cleaned off, as calves are apt to eat them and get poisoned; and the cows themselves, that ought to know better, will amuse themselves by chewing bitter and poisonous weeds, whereby the milk is made bitter, and they some- times suffer the penalty of poisoning, as well as the —— THE STOCK BREEDERS’ MANUAL. an calves. It is passing strange that some cattle will chew a bone, a piece of rag, old shoe, old harness, chips of wood, besides various other substances. An instance or two from my own experience might be useful. I was called to see twocows that had become sick ; could not eat; gave no milk. One was a heifer, fresh only three weeks; the other her dam,two months calved. 1 found them in a high fever, greatly excited, suffering from thirst, nose dry, frothing at the mouth, horns hot ; pulse at radial vein excitea. On inquiring where they had been, I was told that they were at pasture close by, and had the best young, clean pasture that could be furnished, as it was clover and mixed grasses, and there could be nothing in it to injure them. The owners were among the most respected families in the neigh- borhood, and no one was ever known to have any erudge against them. I diagnosed the case as one of poison. I was met with the prompt, English- like reply: “ You are wrong, doctor; you are wrong. It cannot be, as there is nothing here to do the cow hurt.” I told them they might think so, but I was confident, and I wanted to have an examination before Ieeave cither’ water or medicine to one of them. f found the pasture a small enclosure, with fine white and red clover, and a mixture of grasses. On one side was a high fence and houses, with their back yards close to the pasture, and here and there the usual ornaments of empty tin cans, pieces of crockery, etc. Among other things, we found that the people in one of the houses had thrown over the fence a quantity of salt beef that had been in strong brine, and had not been keeping well. The shoulder cuts were licked and gnawed, and 36 THE STOCK BREEDERS’ MANUAL. dragged here and there, and the ground around the spot trod with the feet of the cows, showing that they had had a good time enjoying their salt beef. There was no need of further investigation. Treatment was the next step to be taken. I knew that I would not have impaction to deal with, but the sooner relief was given the better. I gave each 4 oz. of carbonate of soda and cream of tartar, mixed in two quarts of cold water, every two hours, and no iood till I called again. I called at 6 p. m.and found both much easier, not so excited. The worst patient I had to deal with was the attendant, who had been over the pasture making a funeral of the beef, with not a tear shed, but raving mad, not in a good mood to receive directions to save the lives of the cows. We gave both good warm gruel of oatmeal and oilmeal, half a railful each, milked what we could get from the cows, and left for the night, giv- ing them no further thought. The next morning the cows passed pieces of salt meat and blood, most revolt- ing to look at. I ordered the gruel three times that day, and an hour at pasture. The cows got well, but I ordered the milk to be given to the hogs for one week, as the heifer gave bloody milk for a few days. Another case that came under my observation was that of cows pastured ina lot where horses were turned in at night only. One of the cows ate up ali the horse- manure she could get. J was consulted as to the case. I inquired the history of the cow. She was bought from a dairy where she had been fed with mill stuff, and getting nothing but grass, hankered after a change. One more and I am done. I was called to a case where I found the young cow gaping and frothing at THE STOCK BREEDERS’ MANUAL. a7 the mouth, with her head stretched out rigid as a log. I saw that she was choked. I stripped, got my hand into her throat, and with great difficulty drew out a large piece of shoe sole that she had chewed and at- tempted to swallow. | impute every instance above related to the want Seat it cattle, either milkine or feeding for 5eef, were to have a quart of bran and enough salt while in pasture, every other night, better results would be secured than to lay the salt down on the pasture once a week as is often done, and keup each cow visiting the spot, craving for a tonic to strengthen their appetite _ and tone up their stomach. Before I conclude this chapter I wish to impress upon the mind of every reader that nitrate of potassa or saltpetre is not a medicinal agent, whereby fever or ex- citement can be allayed in living tissue; therefore, it ought never to be used, unless you want to prolong a case and assist the disease to kill the animal. Cows calving on the pasture will be treated of on another page. Prairie cattle, or cattle in a wild state, require different treatment trom domestic animals, and as it will not add any to the value of this work, we shall not treat of them further than the observations that may be brought out in the different chapters treat- ing on disease. When a cow is seen to be in heat while at pasture, she ought to be put in the barn as a safe- guard against injury to herself and others. 38 THE STOCK BREEDERS’ MANUAL. CHAPTER SIGNS OF PREGNANCY AND PARTURITION. Eight weeks after service an expert will be able to tell whether the cow is in calf or not. While very often a cow will come in heat regularly during the period of gestation, at an early age of foetal life the only sure way to know is by the stethoscope applied to the right side of the abdomen, and often a slight discharge of mucus from the vagina. When six monthshave gone give the cow a salt mash at night, and the first thing inthe morn- ing give hera drink of cold water, stand behind her, and if you see a slight movement on the right side, it is caused by the foetus. Another point is this, it is said that a bull calf lies more to the right side of the cow than to the left, and a heifer calf more to the left, but that,asa rule, does not hold good, as I have seen it different,even when in twins more to the right than to the left. No cow goes an exact time. Sometimes a cow will go three days over her nine months, and the next calf she may go fourteen days over. There is no accounting for it, either.