Michigan State Farmers' Institutes Volume 1 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1895 Excerpt: ...stables in this State, and highly recommended by dairymen in Wisconsin and elsewhere, is called the " Hoard Stall." To build this stall, erect a tight partition four feet high in front of the row of cows, and between them and the feeding alley. On the side of this partition next to the cows and twenty-six inches from the floor, toe-nail a plank one foot wide, having it project one foot from the partition, parallel with the floor; this forms the bottom of the feeding rack. Slats are nailed from the edge of this plank to a 2x4 which is placed opposite the top of the partition, and two feet from it. The cow is led into the stall and her horns placed against or nearly against these slanting slats. A piece of scantling, two inches by three, is nailed to the floor immediately in front of her hind feet. The space in front of the scantling is filled with bedding. The droppings of the cow will fall behind the scantling. When the cow lies down, she will lie in front of it, her head being under the rack, the slanting slats of which compel her when standing to be far enough back to have her droppings fall behind the scantling nailed on the floor. The stalls should be three feet and one-half wide, and be separated by a partition extending from the hind feet of the cow to the 2x4 scantling, to which the slats of the feeding rack are nailed. A hole is cut through the tight partition large enough to permit the entrance of a box from the feeding alley, which shall contain the grain feed and the ensilage. This arrangement keeps the cow clean, and allows her sufficient liberty to insure comfort. On all bright, sunny days the cow should be allowed to exercise in the open air, unless the temperature without is very cold. An abundance of pure water is absolutely essent...