67 



starch, sugars, gums, crude fibre and like substances; they are sometimes referred 

 to as " heat-producers." To give to the fat an equitable starch value, the quantity of 

 it is multiplied 2>, times before it is added to the carbo-hydrates proper, for the calcu- 

 lation of the nutritive ratio. 



The dry cows on Eation No. 1 are fed twice a day, and are allowed as 

 much of the' mixture as they will eat up clean. The quantity varies from 40 pounds 

 to 60 pounds per day for diflierent animals. 



The milking cows on Eation No. 2 are fed twice a day, with the exception of the 

 Shorthorns and Polled Angus, which are fed three times. The cows consume from 

 40 pounds to 80 pounds each per day. To fresh-calved cows and those which respond 

 to it, 1 pound of ground oilcake and I pound of cotton-seed meal per day aie given 

 in addition. 



The two steers, Nos. 1 and 2, on Eation No. 3, have been consuming about 50 

 ]i()unds each per day of the mixture which composes their ration ; that is equal to 

 21-2 pounds of dry organic matter per head daily. 



The two steers, Nos. 3 and 4, on Eation No. 4, have been consuming about 46 

 pounds each per day of the mixture which composes their ration ; that is equal to 16*6 

 l)Ounds of dry organic matter per head daily. 



The two steers, Nos. 5 and 6, on Eation No. 5, have been consuming about 50 

 pounds each per day of the mixtui'e which composes their ration; that is equal to 

 20*4 pounds of dry organic matter per head daily. 



As has been mentioned already, it would be unwise to draw any conclusions or 

 make any further reference to investigations which are only in pi-ogress; but this may 

 be added with safety, the economic value of ensilage for cattle feeding is surprisingly 

 high, and it is not yet appreciated by the masses of Canadian farmers. 



For the current year, new investigations along lines for the practical service 

 and guidance of the fanners are being commenced. Among others, it is considered 

 expedient to illustrate, by the gi-owth of crops suitable for soiling and the making of 

 ensilage, how many cattle may be sustained under ordinary farming conditions, on 

 the product from 20 or 40 acres of land. The needs of the farmers for the success- 

 ful and profitable prosecution of cattle-raising, stock-feeding and dairying, appear 

 to be in the direction of larger numbers of cattle per 100 acres, rather than for more 

 acres of land. 



Abortions. 



During the 3'ear, what is commonly known as the disease of epidemic abortion 

 prevailed in the herd. The unnatural and premature births usually occui-red at from 

 the fifth to the seventh month. Little reliable knowledge of the antecedent or even 

 immediate causes of the disease or losses is yet in our possession. Ignorance of 

 the nature of the disease has been hidden by draping the mention of it with the 

 astutenesss of medical mysteiy, under the guise of an announcement that it owed its 

 existence to " a germ." 



The treatments which were adopted, might be termed empirical. 



I. The stables were thoroughly fumigated by the burning of sulphur, saturated 

 with alcohol, with the doors and windows closed for three hours. Of course all the 

 cattle were out. 



II. A wash was made up of 1 part of bichloride of mercury to 4,000 parts of water, 

 into which solution were put 8 ounces of common salt ; once a day the bare skin around 

 the vulva, the anus and the root of the tail of the cows in calf, and also of those which 

 had aborted, were sponged with the solution. 



III. After several weeks of that treatment the following was adopted as being 

 preferable : 2| drachms of bichloride of mercury were dissolved in 3|^ ounces of 

 glycerine and 3|- ounces of alcohol; after these had united, '4|- gallons of rain water 

 were added. (The mixture should be kept in a wooden vessel, out of the reach of 

 irresponsible persons, and animals). The bare skin under the tail and around that 

 part was moistened once a day with the solution. 



6 c— 5^ 



