The Bulletin. 17 



feeding experiments with pigs. In each experiment the pigs were 

 divided into two lots and fed on a ration of shorts and hominy feed, 

 ill the first experiment a small amount of American. Stock Food was 

 added to the ration of one lot and in the second experiment Rauh's 

 Stock Food was added to the ration of one lot. Jn the first experi- 

 ment the lot fed American Stock Food made a less gain in pounds 

 and at a greater cost per pound than the lot in which tlie condimental 

 food was omitted. In the second experiment that lot fed Rauh's 

 Stock Food made a slightly greater gain at a slightly less cost per 

 pound that the lot in which the condimental food was omitted. 



Brooks at the Massachusetts Experiment Station/^ conducted 

 three experiments with poultry to determine the value of condimen- 

 tal foods. In summarizing the results of the experiments he states, 

 "The differences have in every case heen small. In favor of the 

 condition powder we have one experiment, against it we have two 

 experiments. It is not claimed that the powder is injurious, but sim- 

 ply not beneficial. In the light of these results, it is believed that 

 poultry keepers throw away money expended for condition powders." 



In summarizing his statements in regard to condimental foods, 

 Henry^^ states: "As to these nostrums it may be said that vigorous, 

 healthy animals do not make better use of their feed because of their 

 addition. If animals are out of condition they should receive specific 

 treatment according to their ailments. A good manager of live 

 stock will have no use for these high priced condimental foods or 

 condition powders ; a poor manager will never have fine stock by 

 employing them." 



A study of these abstracts, which give the results of careful and 

 accurate practical work, affords an interesting comparison with the 

 extensive claims made by the manufacturers. The experiments, as 

 will be noted, cover a wide range, including dairy cows, steers, sheep, 

 hogs and poultry. None of the experiments are in favor of the use 

 of these tonics and conditioners. A few of them gave questionable 

 results, but the majority of them were decidedly against the use of 

 tonics and conditioners. 



The value of these preparations is very well stated by Prof. Henry. 

 "As to these nostrums it may be said that vigorous, healthy animals 

 do not make better use of their feed because of their addition. If ani- 

 mals are out of condition they should receive specific treatment ac- 

 cording to their ailments. A good manager of live stock will have no 

 use for these high priced condimental foods or condition powders; 

 a poor manager will never have fine stock by employing them." 



"Massachusetts Experiment Station, Annual Report 1896. 10th Annual Report and 11th Annual 

 Report. 



"Feeds and Feeding, by W. A. Henry. 



