508 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 



1-2 EDWARD VII., A. 1902 



1st. What loss, if any, is occasioned by the process of dehorning, and 

 2nd. If feeding loose in a box-stall, rendered possible by dehorning, has any advan- 

 tage over stall-feeding. 



On the above date, the fifteen animals were divided into three lots of approximately 

 equal weight :— 



Lot Xo. 1. Five steers, left in a natural state and tied up. 



Lot Xo. 2. Five steers, dehorned (by sawing off horns with a small hand-saw) and 

 tied up, and 



Lot Xo. 3. Five steers, dehorned (by the same method as above) and put in a loose 

 box. 



The three lots received a uniform ration throughout the test, which consisted of :— 



During the first four weeks, each animal per day — 



Pounds. 



Ensilage (made from green oats) 16 



Straw (wheat) 12 



Meal 4 



During second four weeks, each animal per day — 



Pounds. 



Ensilage (made from green oats) 16 



Straw (wheat) 12 



ileal 8 



During third four weeks, each animal per day — 



Pounds. 



Ensilage (corn) 16 



Straw (barley and oat) 12 



Meal 10 



During fourth four weeks, each animal per day — 



Pounds. 



Ensilage (corn) 16 



Straw (barley and oat) 12 



Meal 12 



The straw was cut and the meal consisted of two parts of ground barley to one part 

 of ground wheat. The steers were fed three times daily, and watered twice. 



For a few days after the operation, no effect of the dehorning was noticeable on 

 the animals; but after that time they all went off their feed and for about a week were 

 apparently very sick. The recovery, however, was rapid. 



Following will be found a statement of the monthly and total weights and gains 

 of each lot of steers during the period of the test ; weights and gains made by the 

 bunch during the whole period (October 15 to May 10; the total amount and estimated 

 value of feed consumed during the same time, and a summary of the financial results 

 of the transaction : — 



