Results of the Experiment 377 



The rations in the two lots were the same except that the steers 

 in Lot VI consumed an average of 3.97 pounds alfalfa hay per head 

 daily, while those in Lot V were given no alfalfa hay and they ate 

 4.32 pounds more silago per head daily than the steers in Lot VL 

 The steers in Lot V gained a total of 189 pounds or an average of 

 2.46 pounds per head daily, and those in Lot V gained 192 pounds 

 during the feeding period, or an average of 2.49 pounds per head 

 daily. The amount of feed required per pound gain was very similar 

 in each lot, Lot VI using 2.02 pounds less silage, but 1.60 pounds 

 more of alfalfa hay. 



From the standpoint of the efficiency of the rations as indicated 

 by the nutrients required to make a hundred pounds of gain, the 

 steers in Lot V seemed to have a distinct advantage in this respect. 

 In dry matter, total digestible nutrients, and number of therms re- 

 quired to produce 100 pounds of gain, the steers in Lot VI required 

 about ten percent more than those in L-ot V. The feed in Lot V 

 seemed to be more efficient than in Lot VI in making gain, or else 

 the tables giving the digestibility of feeds are not reliable for Arizona 

 conditions. Throughout it was observed that there was an apparently 

 greater food value attached to alfalfa hay than actually obtained in 

 this test, or the constituents in silage as given in text-books on the 

 subject were underestimated. There is an apparently illogical con- 

 dition in the tables giving the nutrients consumed or required to 

 produce 100 pounds gain. 



The feed cost was $36.28 for an average steer in Lot V and $38.91 

 in Lot VI. The gains in Lot VI were not sufficiently greater to 

 counteract this increased cost of the food, for gain costs $19.18 per 

 100 pounds in Lot V and $20.30 in Lot VI. Both of the lots lost 

 money. Lot V losing $5.74 per head and Lot VI $6.46. In order to 

 purchase the animals, to supply them with feed, pay interest on the 

 cost price of the steers, and to market them, $11.88 per 100 pounds 

 was necessary in Lot V and $12.10 in Lot VI. 



The chief differences between the two lots were: (1) greater 

 uniformity of gains made by the steers in Lot VI; (2) the animals in 

 Lot VI finished more rapidly for market; (3) better appetites of the 

 animals in Lot VI ; and (4) the higher price received for them at the 

 end of the test. There seemed to be some quality associated with 

 the alfalfa hay which had a beneficial effect on the animals. The 

 steers in Lot VI were all in good vigorous condition with ready ap- 

 petites but two of the steers in Lot V went off feed during the test. 



