82 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OP AGRICULTURE. 



STEER-PASTURING DEMONSTRATIONS. 



In Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi 7 feeding demon- 

 strations, with 578 head of cattle, were conducted to stimulate 

 interest in feeding cattle on farm-grown roughages. It was found 

 profitable to graze velvet beans and cornstalk fields. Farmers 

 showed great interest in the demonstr ations. 



SWINE INVESTIGATIONS. 



At the Beltsville farm feeding experiments were carried on with 

 grade Berkshire pigs and pure-bred pigs of the different lard breeds. 

 Experiments were conducted to show the feeding value of ground 

 velvet beans and the effect of this feed on the quality of the pork. 

 Experiments were carried out also with forage crops supplemented 

 with grain rations to determine the value of this practice. Feeding 

 trials were conducted with self-feeders to determme their value in 

 pork production. 



All animals fed are slaughtered at the Beltsville farm abattoirs. 

 Records of the weights of the offal and various parts are kept. The 

 meat is cured by various methods and the relative value of each 

 method determined. 



SHEEP AND GOAT INVESTIGATIONS. 



Prior to July, 1917, aU sheep husbandry projects were mainly of 

 an investigational character. The efforts of the last year have been 

 devoted chiefly to extension and educational work, planned and con- 

 ducted as a part of the Federal program for increased agricultural 

 E reduction to meet war requirements. Extension specialists in sheep 

 usbandry were appointed to carry on work in 17 States, under coopera- 

 tive arrangements with the extension divisions of the agricultural 

 colleges. At the outset these specialists were occupied largely in 

 giving directions and suggestions regarding the procuring and manage- 

 ment of breeding stock to persons taking up sheep raising for the first 

 time. A material conservation of needed breeding stock has been 

 effected by acquainting farmers with the location of ewes and ewe 

 lambs that otherwise might have been sent to slaughter. Later in 

 the season the extension work consisted chiefly of local field demon- 

 strations of docking lambs, shearing sheep, and preparing wool for 

 shipment. Such occasions were utilized also for urging the largest 

 possible production of lambs and wool and for explaining the most 

 profitable systems and methods of management. 



Demonstration flocks are being established in as many counties as 



Eossible. These are privately owned, but handled on lines suggested 

 y the specialists in conjunction with the county agents. FuU 

 records of costs and income are kept for each flock. 



The United States Sheep Experiment Station at Dubois, Idaho, 

 has become a reality. A residence and one sheep shed were con- 

 structed, and the flock has been at the new headquarters since March, 

 1918. Further equipment in the way of fences, watering facilities, 

 and stock must be added to permit the carrying on of experiments 

 planned to determine the most economical methods of utilizing the 

 range and of wintering stock. 



