438 Missouri Agricultural Report. 



In bulletin 160, Bureau of Animal Industry, the losses on 

 infertile eggs in some experimental work were as follows: 



Loss on farm 15.5 per cent 



Loss during stay in town 4.0 per cent 



Loss during transportation 4.7 per cent 



Total loss 24 . 2 per cent 



For fertile eggs — 



Loss on farm 29 . per cent 



Loss during stay in town 7.1 per cent 



Loss during transportation 6.4 per cent 



Total loss 42 . 5 per cent 



The greater loss is on the farm, and by the production of 

 infertile eggs this loss was reduced from 29 per cent to 15.5 

 per cent, or a loss of 13.5 per cent was saved on the farm by 

 the production of infertile eggs, while the total loss was reduced 

 from 42.5 per cent to 24.2 per cent, or a loss of 18.3 per cent 

 was prevented by the removal of the male birds. When these 

 facts are appreciated one will readily see the necessity of em- 

 ploying this practice. 



Fifth, store eggs in cool places, which are well ventilated 

 and dry. Heat assists in chick development, increases shrink- 

 age and develops molds. 



Sixth, collect eggs from nests daily, or twice daily in warm 

 weather. Stolen eggs are largely responsible for rotten and 

 spot eggs. 



Seventh, keep eggs away from bad odors. They absorb 

 them as readily as cream, and they should be kept away from 

 kerosene, cabbage, rotten food, fresh paint, etc. Food also 

 influences flavor — only clean foods should be fed. 



Eighth, market eggs at least once a week. An egg deter- 

 iorates in quality with age. Eggs should not be held until 

 the basket is full or the price goes up. 



Ninth, keep eggs covered so as to prevent dust from settling 

 upon them and flies from running over them. 



Tenth, secure a suitable egg case for marketing eggs. 



Eleventh, produce eggs of one color. 



Twelfth, insist that your egg buyer recognize quality, 

 that he buy on a quality and loss-off basis. 



The more careful handling of eggs on the farm will not 

 only eliminate some of the present losses, but will also stimulate 

 in the poultry producer a greater interest in his poultry which 

 will result in their having better care. The farmer must learn 



