REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR 65 



SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 



LIVE STOCK. 



The cattle kept on this Farm are Shorthorns of the dual-purpose type. Some of 

 them are proving very satisfactory milkers. One has made an official Record of Per- 

 formance record of 12,655 pounds in one year. Records have hecn kept of the feed used 

 by each ajftnial, and as a result data are available as to the cost of milk production and 

 the raising of young cattle. 



An experim.ent in steer-feeding in which corn ensilage was compared with dry corn 

 fodder was completed in the spring of 191-i. The result was strong evidence in favour 

 of the use of silos for the storage of corn. The experiment which is being conducted 

 this winter, 1914-15, is a comparison of corn silage and straw versus alfalfa hay vdrsus 

 mixed grass hay, and also outdoor feeding versus stabling. The experiment is not 

 completed. 



The flock of breeding ewes has been utilized for an experiment in comparing alfalfa 

 versus mixed hay, and also wintering in a rather expensive sheep barn vc-rsus an open 

 slied. The alfalfa gave best results as a feed, and no great difference could be observed 

 as a result of the difference in shelter. Data on the cost of feeding sheep are also being 

 collected. 



An experiment in pig feeding was conducted in which barley was used as the main 

 food, and other foods were tested as regards their suitability for mixing with 

 barley. Feed flour mixed with barley in the proportion of 1 to 3 gave best results, pure 

 barley second best, shorts and barley came tliird, with chopped oats and barley a poor 

 fourth. Wintering sows outdoors is also being more fully demonstrated as the best 

 method. 



POULTRY AXD BEES. 



The White Wyandotte and Barred Rock breeds are kept. Colony houses are used 

 exclusively on this Farm, and are found quite satisfactory. .Experiments were con- 

 ducted in different types of construction, and figures are presented in the poultry report 

 showing the temperatures recorded. Egg records kept show the pullets to be much 

 better winter layers than the 1-year-old or older hens. 



The apiary on this Farm is being used as a source of supply in stocking up the 

 nev.-cr Stations. It has been handled more for multiplication than for honey production. 

 Nevertheless, a fairly good crop of honey was garnered, despite a very unfavourable 

 season. 



BlILPLNGS. 



A new solid concrete silo, 16 feet across inside and 34 feet high, was built this year. 

 A stave silo has been in use some years, and it will now be possible to compare the two 

 kinds. A large cement root-house was built under ground in the side of the hill behind 

 the cattle bam. A shed for the threshing separator was also built this year. 



EXHIBITIONS. 



A large exhibit got up at the Central Experimental Farm was shown at the Bran- 

 don and Winnipeg summer fairs. In addition, an exhibit showing some of the Avork of 

 the Brandon Farm was shown in combination with the general exhibit. An exhibit 

 of horticultural products was made at the annual show of the Brandon Horticultural 

 Society in August 1914. 



MEETINGS. 



The Superintendent addressed meetings of Manitoba farmers at the following places 

 in the province during the year: Virden, Reston, Souris, Hartney (twice), Melita, 

 Morris, Emerson, Stonewall, Portage la Prairie, Neepawa, Carberry, Carman (twice), 

 Elgin, Ilamiota, Oak River, Russell, Birtle, Roblin, Grandview, Gilbert Plains, Dau- 

 phin, Valley River, Sifton, Ethelbert, Bowsman, Swan River, Benito, Durban, Kenville, 



16—5 



