78 EXPEnniEXTAL FARMS 



6 GEORGE V, A. 1916 



An outbreak of black-leg- occurring in the spring of 1914 resulted in the loss of 

 seven head of cattle. This outbreak was particularly virulent and did not confine itself 

 to younj? cattle, but caused the death of several breeding cows 5 years old and over. 

 Vaccination of the entire herd was completed as quickly as possible after the disease 

 was diagnosed, and was repeated in six months. Xo loss has been sustained since the 

 first outbreak. 



The feeding trials with beef and dairy cattle were of special interest. Six groups 

 of steers were fed for beef. The primary purpose of the experiments was to test the 

 various forms of shelter, and one group of steers was fed in the brush, one in the 

 corral, and one in the barn. These were fed prairie hay and grain. Three other lots 

 of steers were fed in the barn and checked against those receiving prairie hay. These 

 three groups were fed: (1) green sheaves, (2) silage with straw, and (3) timothy hay. 

 The conclusion reached in reference to shelter is that no buildings are necessary in 

 order to feed steers successfully. The steers in the corral made the most economical 

 gains, those in the brush next, and those in the barn the most expensive gains. 



When comparing the results secured from the different fodders, we find that 

 prairie hay fed in the corral stands first in economy of gain^; green feed fed in the 

 barn, second; prairie hay fed in the brush, third; prairie hay fed in the barn, fourth; 

 ensilage and straw fed in the barn, fifth ; and timothy hay fed in the barn, sixth and 

 kst. 



All the cattle were sold on March H, and when killed showed a dressed weight of 

 almost 60 per cent off car. 



Different rough fodders were fed to dairy cattle for a period of twenty weeks, in 

 two-week periods. The results indicate strikingly the advantage of silage for the 

 economical production of butter. Since these trials are the first, in the West at least, 

 where an apportunity has been afforded to compare the nutritive value of oat silage with 

 other fodders available here, the figures secured in this test, which include the entire 

 dairy herd, should be of value to dairymen. 



It is also of interest to nqte the daily average production of the three dairy herds at 

 this Station. 



Similar conditions surrounded the animals, and similar feeds were fed in each 

 case, and the extremes of production shown are 3,0.11 pounds and 13,768 pounds. If 

 breeding along definite lines for a few generations will bring i?uch results as are indi- 

 cated in this table, surely every breeder of dairy cattle should decide to give steady 

 direction to his efforts towards improvement. 



SWIXE. 



The herd of swine has now reached proportions that permit of more experimental 

 feeding being conducted. Five groups of hogs were fed for market during the year, 

 and the figures secured show the net profit to be 2-88 cents per pound, figuring grain 

 at 1 cent per pound. Feeding trials have been conducted to determine the value of 

 frosted wheat vei^sufi oats and barley and skim-milk, and also the best ration for pio-s 

 following weaning. 



IIOKTlCLI/rUKK. 



For the second year in succession, apples have been produced from various varieties 

 of cross-bred apple trees. This is encouraging as it sui)ports the expectation that if 

 cross-bred apple trees can be carried through several successive winters, certain selec- 

 tions of standard apples may also be grown. To this end about 6,000 apple seedlings 

 are being grown, and from among this numlx^r it is hoped a variety will he found which 

 will prove both hardy and satisfactory as to size and quality. 



A large amount of tree planting in the grounds has been done during the year. 

 This planting is now having its effect on the general appearance of the Station, and 



