REPORT OF THE POULTRY MAXAGER 



223 



SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 



Since the couditions of this experiment were identical in all respects save that of the 

 relative coar-seness of the food, we must conclude that the larger gains made by Lot B. 

 were the result simply of feeding the ration in a finely ground state. The six birds of 

 Lot A. (whole grain) showed an increase in weight of 10 lbs., while those of Lot B. (fin- 

 ely ground meal) gained 16 lbs. 8 oz. 



Table IV. — Whole vs. Finely ground Grain, with Barred Plymouth Rocks. 



In Table IV. particulars of the food consumed, its cost and cost of food per pound 

 of increase in live weight are summarized. The deductions therefrom are easily made. 

 The six birds on finely ground food ate more than those on whole grain, but their incre- 

 ase in weight cost less per pound. Thus we find that although Lot B. (finely ground 

 food) consumed food to the value of 22c. more than that of lot A., the former chickens 

 by reason of the larger increase in weight put on flesh at a cost oi\\ cents per lb. less 

 than the birds on the whole grain ration. 



At the expiration of the feeding term the 12 birds were killed and dressed, and 

 the following summary has been drawn up from the data obtained : — 



Proportion of Edible and Non-edible parts, calculated on weight of chicken 



as killed. 



This shows a dificrence of 5 per cent in dressed carcase in favour of the finely 

 ground food chickens. These birds further, it may be remarked, v/ere plumper, slightly 

 yellower, and of better appearance than the birds fed on the whole grain ration, and 

 were also considered to furnish on cooking the juicier or richer meat, due evidently to 

 a marked (though not excessive) deposition of fat in the tissues. 



