ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 209 



terized by high fat and ash content and a low flixn- content. Suflicient corn 

 oil was added to the wheat ration to make the total fat in the 2 rations prac- 

 tically the same. 



In the first period, March 2 to May 12, the relative egg production on wheat 

 was at the I'ate of 39 eggs and on corn 45 eggs per day per 100 hens, the cost 

 per egg being 1.030 and 0.749 cts., respectively. 



In the second period. May 13 to September 23, the egg ])roduction on wheat 

 was at the rate of 31 eggs and on corn 41 eggs per day per 100 hens, the cost 

 per egg being 0.895 and 0.703 ct., respectively. These results, it is pointed 

 out, are in accord with those of earlier years (E. S. R., 17, p. 283). 



In the second test wheat and corn were compared, milk albumen being used 

 as a source of animal food, and corn oil being added to the wheat ration to 

 make the fat content of the 2 i-ations alike. Both rations were character- 

 ized by relatively high ash content and low fiber content and by a fat content 

 lower than in the first test. 



In the spring period the egg production was at the rate of 41 eggs per day 

 per 100 hens on wheat and 39 eggs on corn. Similar values for the summer 

 Iieriod were 35 eggs on wheat and 31 eggs on corn. The cost of food per egg 

 in the spring period on wheat was 1 ct. and for the summer jieriod 0.845 ct., 

 aTul on corn 0.942 and 0.871 ct., respectively. 



The experiment indicates " that, unless the fat content of the ration is rela- 

 tively high, the more starchy foods are not sufficient to produce a satisfactory 

 egg yield, and the product falls below that obtained from feeding a ration 

 higher in protein." 



lu the thii-d test the rations were characterized by low protein and high fat 

 and ash content, the grains selected for comparison being oats with oat feed 

 and rice. Bi'ef scraps were used to supply animal food. For the spring period 

 the average egg production for the oat ration (high fiber content) was 40 

 eggs per day per 100 hens and for the rice ration (low fiber) 42 eggs. Similar 

 values for the summer period were 38 and 40 eggs. The cost of food per egg 

 on the oat ration was 1.019 cts. for the first period and 0.935 ct. for the second 

 Iieriod, and for the rice ration 1.103 and 1.048 cts., respectively. 



As heretofore (E. S. R.. 17, p. 283), the rice ration gave a very satisfactory 

 egg yield, but it is so high in price that it can not be fed economically. It 

 was selected for experimental purposes on account of its low fiber content, and 

 results indicate very clearly that a small amount of fiber is unfavorable. 



The nutritive ratios in the food combinations used ranged from 1 : 4.03 in 

 one of the wheat rations to 1 : 0.09 in one of the corn rations. " Our experi- 

 ments clearly do not supi)ort the view that a narrow nutritive ratio is essential 

 to good egg prodxiction." 



Raising chicks artificially, J. II. Stewart and II. Atwood (West Virf/inia 

 fita. Bill. .'AS', iJi). 11 1- IS',. Ills. .'/). — Much attention has been devoted at the 

 station to the incubation and brooding of chickens, and on the basis of the data 

 secured and other available information directions are given for managing incu- 

 bators, brooding chicks, feeding, care, and similar topics. 



The necessity for a satisfactory incuiiator, which is dunildc. is pointed out, 

 and the authors are in favor of hot-air niaciiincs because tiicy are less trouble- 

 some to manage. 



" It is a very l)ad plan to use eggs for incubation whicji have been produced by 

 hens that have been fed heavily during the winter for egg production. Under 

 these conditions the vigor of the hens, when spring comes, is apt to be reduced, 

 and even though the eggs may hatch fairly well, the chicks are a])t to be weak 

 and puny. The breeding stock must be vigorous in order to produce the right 

 sort of eggs. . . . 



