REPORT OF MR. ANGUS MAC KAY 



337 



SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 



CATTLE. 



The herd of cattle at present on the Farm consists of 27 pure-bred Shorthorns 

 and 21 grade animals, 8 of the latter being three-year-old steers bought for feeding 

 tests. 



On December 3-4, 1908, the entire herd was tested for tuberculosis and was found 

 to be free from the disease with the exception of one. steer bought shortly before for 

 feeding test. This animal was killed, and on examination by the health inspector, its 

 thoracic glands were found to be affected. 



FEEDINa TEST. 



A test was made for the sixteen weeks from December 7, 1908, to March 29, 1909, 

 of the comparative feeding values of Western Eye Grass and Alfalfa in fattening 

 cattle. 



Two lots of 4 three-year-old steers were made up, but, owing to one animal in 

 lot 2 becoming sick during the test, it was withdrawn from the lot, and lot 1 was also 

 reduced to three steers to keep the numbers equal. 



Each steer was fed a daily ration of 1 pound of ground linseed throughout the 

 test, and 4 pounds of meal for the first four weeks, increased to 6 pounds for the 

 second four weeks, and 8 pounds during the last eight weeks of the feeding period. 



In addition, lot 1 received all the Western Rye Grass they would eat, and lot 2 

 all the Alfalfa they wanted. The weight of both Western Rye Grass and Alfalfa 

 consumed daily per head was about 22 pounds, and the cost of feed has been figured 

 on this basis. 



The meal used consisted of two parts of barley to one of wheat. 



Following will be found particulars of the weights and gains of each lot; the 

 quantity and value of feed consumed; and the financial results of the transaction. 



WEIGHTS AND GAINS DURING TEST. 



16—22 



