BUREAU OF ANIMAL INDUSTRY. 135 



and fall calves, as well as to determine the cost of producing a breed- 

 ing heifer and a feeding steer, also to make other studies in the man- 

 agement of a beef herd. Forty cows are used in this experiment and 

 are being bred to the Hereford bull. 



The first steer-feeding trial to determine the most economical 

 silage to use with cottonseed meal and the value of cane tops for 

 silage has been completed. Corn and soy-bean silage produced the 

 most rapid and the cheapest gains, with the other silages following 

 in the order named : Corn and sorghum, corn, sorghum, cowpeas and 

 soy beans, corn and cane tops. 



Experiments in hog grazing have been begun with 67 shoats, and 

 plans are being made to establish a dairy herd. 



The live-stock extension work continues under the supervision of 

 Prof. W. R. Dodson, with Dr. G. E. Nesom in direct charge of the 

 work. At the close of the fiscal year 23 beef-cattle demonstrations 

 were being conducted in 14 parishes, 45 hog demonstrations in 17 

 parishes, and 17 poultry demonstrations in 11 parishes, representing 

 all sections of the State. 



The forage-crop agent, working with the live-stock agents, has in- 

 structed the cattle and hog demonstrators as to pasture grasses, graz- 

 ing crops, and rotations best suited to respective conditions. Asa 

 result more animals are kept on a given area at less expense and in 

 better condition. There is evidence of greater prosperity with all 

 the farmers who are making live stock a part of their diversified 

 farming. 



The production of beef cattle has been advocated for the purpose 

 of utilizing waste pasture land and surplus feeds. Native cattle 

 are being improved by the use of pure-bred beef bulls. The selection 

 of sires and breeding cows is receiving more attention. About 2,000 

 head of pure-bred and high-grade cattle for breeding purposes have 

 been introduced into the State. Two breeders' associations have been 

 organized, and assistance was rendered in conducting beef-cattle 

 sales at the State fair. 



The object of the hog demonstrations is to improve the quality and 

 increase the number 'of hogs produced profitably in Louisiana. All 

 the 48 herds are headed by pure-bred boars, and 75 per cent of the 

 sows are pure-bred. 



Two men have devoted their time to dairy extension work, which 

 has been conducted with the small, needy farmer with limited means, 

 and also with the large planter. Assistance has been given in build- 

 ing 24 silos and in the construction and remodeling of a number of 

 dairy buildings. Dairy farmers have purchased 51 pure-bred bulls, 

 180 pure-bred females, and 218 grade females. Assistance has been 

 given toward improving the milk supply of New Orleans by work 

 with milk-distributing plants and with the individual dairy farmers. 



The committee has joined with the Office of Markets and Rural Or- 

 ganization of this department and the extension service of the Loui- 

 siana State University in a study of market conditions and the col- 

 lection and distribution of information on that subject. The local 

 curing of pork is encouraged. Three cooperative snipping associa- 

 tions have been organized, and two more are in process of organiza- 

 tion. 



