68 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 



4-5 EDWARD VII., A. 1805 



peculiarity is, of course, decidedlj' objectionable, especially where it is led in any con- 

 siderable quantities per diem. 



It is objectionable in this, that the effect it will have upon the digestive organs 

 of the animal fed cannot be counted upon. The molasses part of the preparation is 

 somewhat laxative in character and when it is in excess, as occurs occasionally, the 

 animal's digestive organs are more or less deranged for a longer or shorter period. 

 The average feeder would be quite unlikely to note the excess of molasses hj looking 

 at the feed. 



Where fed in small quantities, say 1 to 3 lb.s. per diem, to either calves- or mature 

 cattle, however, this peculiarity is of no consequence. 



VALUE OF PRODUCT. 



"We have found the preparation of particular value for feeding to young steer.i 

 or beef animals. Its value lies in its extreme palatability. It serves to whet the appe- 

 tite of the otherwise sated fatting calves and induces them to eat not only the portion 

 01 Improved ]\[olasses Cattle Feed fed them in excess of the previous ration but quite 

 frequently seems to cause them to eat more of other and possibly more fattening feeds. 

 It is in this direction, that is as an appetiser, that the future of the feed lies, if our 

 experiments count for anything. 



EXPERIMEXTS WITH DAIRY COWS. 



It was fed to dairy cows both in excess of the normal meal ration usually 

 fed and as replacing part of the meal ration. It proved of quite low value in this con- 

 nection, being apparently equivalent to about half an equal weight of bran as an 

 incentive to greater or even equal milk i^roduction. 



WITH TWO-YEAR-OLD AXD THREE- YEAR-OLD STEERS. 



It was used also on some two-year-old and on some three-year-old steers. It wa.s 

 used as an addition to the meal ration and latterly as a substitute for part of the meal 

 ration. In neither case did it prove to be equal to more than about half its weight 

 of bran or other concentrate ration. It was of value, however, in improving the 

 appearance of the cattle, giving them a sleek look scarcely attainable otherwise. 



AS ROUGHXESS. 



An experiment to determine its value as a substitute for roots or ensilage was con- 

 ducted and the results are given : — 



Nine three-year-old steers were chosen and divided into three groups of three each. 



Lot 1. Received no improved molasses cattle feed. 



Lot 2. Received 8 lbs. improved molasses cattle feed per diem and half amount 

 other roughness fed Lot 1. 



Lot 3. Received 12 lbs. improved molasses cattle feed and 4 lbs. straw per diem. 

 All lots received equal amounts of long hay and meal. 

 Particulars are as follows : — 



Lot 1. Receiving no improved molasses cattle feed- 

 Lbs. 

 First weight, December 28, 1903 Total 3,880 



Average 1,293 

 Last weight, March 22, 1904- Total 4,380 



Average 1,460 

 Gain in 83 days Total 500 



Average 167 

 Daily rate of gain per steer 2 



