508 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 



2 GEORGE V., A. 1912 



The cattle secured for this year's trial were a good uniform lot, mostly rising 

 four with a few rising three years. They did not represent any particular breed, 

 though Shorthorn and Hereford blood predominated. 



The last individuals were secured at the close of Octoher and on November 1 the 

 feeding of oat sheaves cured green, and hay was hegun. One sheaf of green oats per 

 head was fed daily till December 19, after which date one-half sheaf daily was allowed 

 each animal. They had access to hay, water and salt at all times. Ice was prevented 

 from forming on the water tank by means of a galvanized tank-heater. No shelter 

 was provided other than that afforded by the corral fence and buildings as wind breaks. 

 The cattle had no opportunity of getting under cover. During part of the feeding 

 period they ran to a straw stack. On December 1 the feeding of chop was begun at 

 the rate of two pounds per head per day. Every seven days two pounds per day was 

 added to the ration until twelve pounds was reached. They stood at this rate for about 

 three weeks when the grain was again increased, the increase being continued up to 

 eighteen pounds per head per day. The chop consisted of two-thirds oats and one-third 

 barley. The oats were valued at 32 cents per bushel and barley at 40 cents per bushel, 

 which, after allowing 10 cents per hundred pounds for grinding, brings the cost of chop 

 to practically 1 cent per pound. Hay was valued at $6 per ton which was more than 

 the hay purchased this year was worth as it was cut and put up after the frost and 

 late summer rains. 



The only equipment used for these trials consists of feeding racks for hay, water 

 tank and tank heater and grain tables. 



The time cost for feeding hay and grain and pumping was 209 hrs. 20 min. The 

 time cost for pumping alone was 117 hrs. 45 min., which could be reduced or even elimi- 

 nated by use of a windmill or in cases where feeding yards are watered by springs. 

 The cost of feeding hay does not include hauling, which would mean an additional 

 50 cents per ton for hauling well-cured hay for about a mile. Where racks holding 

 several days' hay are provided, the time for feeding could be cut down as compared 

 with the time cost here where fresh hay was put in racks once or twice daih- 



Xo account is given in the tables of the labour cost or of the interest on the money 

 tied up in cattle for 157 days. In the corral there is a large pile of splendid manure 

 which is estimated to be worth fully twice the cost of labour and interest charges 

 together. If any one should feel disposed to disallow this claim they are free to deduct 

 the cost of labour ($36.62) and interest on money ($33.30) from the profits. 



Towards the last of March various buyers were invited to bid for the load, and a 

 number of very satisfactory bids were received. 



The bid of 'P. Burns & Co., Ltd.,' submitted through their agent, Mr. W. F. 

 Puffer, proved to be the highest and the cattle were accordingly sold to that firm, 

 delivery being made April 7. 



The following statement gives full data in regard to this trial: — 



No. steers in lot 20 



Gross weight weighed in lbs. 26,416 



Average weight per head weighed in " 1,320 



Number days on feed 157 



Gross weight weighed out April 7 lbs. 31,085 



Average weight weighed out April 7 " 1,554 



Total gain in 157 days " 4,669 



Average gain per head " 233-9 



Average daily gain per head " 1-48 



Average cost per 100 lbs. gain $11 25 



COST. 



20 steers average weight 1,320 lbs. at 3-661 cents per lb.. . $ 967 94 



45,413 lbs. prairie hay at $6 per ton 136 23 



28,820 lbs. chop at 1 cent per lb 288 20 



