FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 



813 



Two tests are reported in which the first question was studied, the 

 results being tabulated in detail. The first (1894- 1)")), lasting 102 days, 

 was made with 9 lots of 2 steers each. Early, medium, and late cut 

 alfalfa of the first and second crop, third crop alfalfa, timothy, and red 

 clover were each fed to 1 lot. The test was divided into 2 i)eriods. lu 

 the first period hay only was fed; in the second the steers were fed 

 some bran and wheat. Analyses of the alfalfa and other feeding stuffs 

 in this and succeeding tests are given. 



The conclusion was reached that the best returns were given by red 

 clover. Comparing the different crops and cuttings of alfalfa, "the 

 late cutting of the first crop did the best, the medium next, and the 

 early cutting the poorest. With the second crop the reverse was true, 

 the late cut showing a loss." 



The second test (1895-96), which lasted 139 days, was made with 9 

 lots of 2 steers each, and was divided into 2 periods. First and second 

 crop alfalfa, red clover, and timothy were fed as during the first test. 

 The red clover and third crop alfalfa gave out about weeks before the 

 end of the test and the lots receiving them were fed mixed alfalfa for 

 the rest of the test. During the whole test the steers were fed bran 

 and wheat in addition to the hay. 



"The early cut (alfalfa) did the best of the first crop, while the late 

 cut did poorest. With the second crop the medium cut did the best 

 and the late cut poorest. The red clover was below most of the others 

 in rate of gain, while the timothy and third croj) alfalfa made about an 

 average showing." 



The average results of these tests and those previously reported on 

 feeding early, medium, and late cuttings are given in the following 



table : 



Average 7'LSults of feeding alfalfa to steers. 



Weight at 

 beginning. 



First and second crops : Pounds. 



Early cutting 893. 86 



Medium cutting I 915.44 



Latecutting I 923.67 



First crop (all cuttings) 907. 70 



Second crop (all cuttings) 914. 31 



Weight at 

 end. 



Pounds. 

 1, 009. 44 

 1, 004. 44 

 1,019.72 

 1,017.09 

 998. 65 



Gain 

 per day. 



Food eaten 

 per day. 



Pounds. 

 l.Orf 

 .83 

 .73 

 .96 

 .80 



Pounds. 

 20. 88 

 20.72 

 17.86 

 19.84 

 19.94 



Food eaten 



per pound 



of gain. 



Pounds. 

 19.34 

 24.96 

 24.47 

 20.67 

 24. 93 



The average results of feeding first, second, and third crop alfalfa, 

 red clover, and timothy are given in the following table: 



Average results of feeding alfalfa, red clover, and timothy to steers. 



Weight at 

 beginning. 



Alfalfa: Pounds. 



First crop (all cuttings) 991.00 



Second crop (all (cuttings) l, "OS. 25 



Third crop 1. 015. 75 



All crops and all cuttings 1. 001. 9:! 



Ked clover 1,009.75 



Timothy 1,018.25 



Food eaten 

 per daj'. 



Pounds. 

 23.05 

 22.35 

 24.29 

 23. 01 

 19.04 

 21.97 



Food eaten 



per pound 



of gain. 



Pounds. 

 18.89 

 24. 29 

 18. 13 

 20. 73 

 20. 93 

 18.40 



