52 Report of the Department of Animal Husbandry of the 



relative efficiency of thf rations. 



More food was at all times eaten by the chicks having the ani- 

 mal meal ration. During the first twelve weeks the dry matter in 

 the food consumed by Lot I was 36 per cent greater than in that 

 consumed by Lot II and the gain in weight was 56 per cent 

 greater. Lot I gained one pound in weight for every 3.3 lbs. of 

 water-free food and Lot II gained one pound for every 3.8 lbs. of 

 water-free food. 



During the next eight weeks after the cockerels were removed 

 the dry matter in the food was nearly 37 per cent the greater for 

 Lot I and the gain in weight was 66 per cent greater than that of 

 Lot II. One pound gain was made by Lot I for every 6.1 lbs. of 

 water-free food and one pound gain by Lot II for every 7.5 lbs. of 

 water-free food. 



The next five weeks showed the same relative consumption of 

 food, although growth was much slower and about the same for 

 each lot, slightly favoring Lot I. The dry matter in the food for 

 Lot I was about 36 per cent more than for Lot II. One pound 

 gain was made for every 10.6 lbs. of water free food by Lot I and 

 one pound gain for every 8.1 lbs. of water free food by Lot II. 



For the last six weeks the food consumption was nearly 18 per 

 cent greater for Lot I. The gain in weight was almost identical 

 for both lots, but three pullets began laying in Lot I nearly a 

 month before any commenced to lay in Lot II. 



RELATIVE ECONOMY OF THE RATIONS. 



The cost of food per pound gain in weight during the first 

 twelve weeks was 4.25 cents for Lot I and 5.19 cents for Lot II, an 

 excess of 22 per cent. During the next eight weeks the cost was 

 about 50 per cent greater for Lot II, the cost per pound of gain 

 being 7.5 cents and 11.2 cents, respectively. After this when the 

 growth was much slower the food cost of the gain made was much 

 greater for both lots. The difference was in favor of Lot II for 



