306 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. 



64 VICTORIA, A. 1^1 

 The results of this experiment may be thus summed up : 



1st. That dehorning reduced the weight of a 1,200 pound steer about 50 pounds. 

 2nd. That it required about two weeks' feeding to regain that weight lost. 



It is, however, much more comfortable working around them, and other things 

 being equal, buyers prefer those with horns off (for shipping). 



Dehorning is of no advantage when steers are tied up in stalls, except for the 

 comfort it gives to those caring for them. 



The feeding of dehorned steers in a loose-box is an advantage : 1st, in increased 

 gain in flesh ; 2nd, less cost for labour in attending them ; 3rd, manure better made, 

 requiring about 50 per cent more straw to keep them clean, which may be an advan- 

 tage or a disadvantage, according to the situation and opinion of the feeder. 



STEEE FEEDING— MEDIUM AND HEAVY FEEDING. 



An experiment was also carried on with two lots of 4 steers (Shorthorn grades), 

 with a view to getting information as to the advisability of feeding a medium ration 

 or a more heavy one; lot 1 in this test being fed as were all lots in dehorning test, 

 termed medium feeding. Lot 2 were fed an increase of 2 pounds meal and 25 pounds 

 roots per animal per day for the entire period, the money value of increased feed over 

 lot 1 being 4f cents per steer per day for 135 days equal $25.64. As will be shown 

 by the following table, there did not appear to be any gain in flesh from extra feeding. 

 The treatment as regards feeding, watering, general care and weighing was exactly 

 the same as in dehorning test. 



