MISSOURI. 123 



MISSOURI. 



Missouri Agricultural College Experiment Station, Colunihia. 



Department of the College of Agriculture aud Mechanic Arts of the University 



of Missouri. 



H. J. Waters, B. S. A., Director. 



From an extensive series of feeding experiments with cattle the Mi.s- 

 souri Station concludes that the condition of the animal is a more 

 important factor in the cost of gain than is age, and that if animals 

 are fully fed, have fresh air, and a comfortable place to lie, warm 

 quarters seem unnecessary. Calves, yearlings, and 2 and 3 year olds 

 fed an optimun^ of grain approximating very closelj'^ the limit of the 

 appetite of the animal have made gains at the minimum of cost in 

 feed. The addition of a supplement like linseed or cotton seed meal 

 to a basal ration of corn has resulted in economy in the cost of 

 production, the animals being better finished and selling at an 

 increase more than sufficient to meet the additional cost. Roughage 

 crops rich in protein, such as the legumes, have proved decidedly 

 superior for beef production and wintering to nonleguminous rough- 

 age. These experiments are to be continued on a large scale. 



Another important series of feeding experiments is being carried 

 on with pigs. Experiments with feeding lecithin indicate that its 

 physiological significance depends wholly upon its phosphorus con- 

 tent, and the function of phosphorus has been shown to be in direct 

 connection with muscle formation rather than in fat production, as 

 commonly supposed. 



In cooperation with the Bureau of Animal Industry an elaborate 

 study of dairy products has been inaugurated. The composition, 

 physical structure, and general qualities of milk from different 

 breeds will be investigated throughout the entire period of lactation. 

 An organism causing bitter milk has been isolated. The veterinarian 

 has been making a test of the changes of temperature and of the 

 blood of cow^s during lactation, and is also investigating serum treat- 

 ments for hog cholera, tuberculosis, and the distribution of blackleg, 

 which in epidemic forms seems to be associated with certain types of 

 soils accompanying crop conditions. 



A soil survey of the State is being made through a thorough and 

 systematic study of soil types. In addition to the usual observations, 

 field experiments are to be carried on for each of the important types 

 to ascertain methods of improvement. One year's results have al- 

 ready been obtained from ten substations, three having been located 

 for the study of underdrainage, and negotiations are in progress for 

 three others. 



