1008 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



in diflereut stages of lactation. Two cows were fed as large quantities 

 of the smut as tbey could be induced to eat, the amount being increased 

 from 2 oz. at the start to 11 lbs. per day. The other two cows were 

 fed moderate amounts, the smut being increased from 2 oz. at the start 

 to 1 lb. per day. The composition of corn smut was found to be as 

 follows: 



Composition of corn smut. 



Per cent. 



Water 8. 30 



Albiniiiiioids 13.06 



Caiboliydrates 25. 60 



Cellulose , 24. 69 



Sugar 4. 00 



Eat 1.35 



Ash — cousiderahle sand 22. 50 



The test lasted 49 days. The gains in weight for each cow are 

 recorded, as well as the temperature which was taken on alternate 

 days. At the beginning of the test the cows ate the smut very readily 

 and the two receiving it in moderate quantities continued to jirefer it 

 to the grain ration u[) to the close of the test. On the other hand, the 

 cows receiving large quantities did not eat it so rep.dily, though it was 

 never entirely rejected. The ash of the corn smut was found to be 

 rich in phosphates of potash and magnesia like the ash of grain. In 

 the analyst's opinion the high percentage of ash was due to sand which 

 was accidentally present. The smut was examined for poisonous 

 alkaloids, but none Mere found. The sugar in the smut may, in the 

 author's opinion, account for the readiness with which the cattle ate it. 



"The jiregnaiit cows were watched for signs of abortion, but none ajipeared. 



"Their milk yield was regular and constant, in the case of the cows giving milk, 

 and no indication was given of any variation in this respect from normal con- 

 ditions . . . 



"The conclusion which can be safely drawn from this experiment is, that where 

 cows are gradually brought into the habit of consuming large quantities of smut it 

 does not seem hurtful to them. Whether the same thing would be true where cows 

 unaccustomed to smut suddenly gain access to large quantities of it must remain 

 for future experiment. It is safe to say, however, that any quantity of smut that 

 would be at all likely to exist in a cornfield or on the stalks as fed under normal 

 conditions to cows would not he dangerous to tbe health of the animals." 



Fattening lambs — a comparison of fodders, H. W. Mumford 

 {Michigan Sta. Bui. 136, pp. 19-40). — A feeding test was made with 100 

 grade Shropshire lambs to test the value of alfalfa, millet hay, oat 

 straw, cornstalks, and bean straw as a whole or partial substitute for 

 clover hay. The lambs were purchased in August at 2f cts. per pound. 

 They were pastured for about 2 weeks, and then put on a field of rape 

 for about 8 weeks. The average gain in weight while on the rape was 

 1 lb. per head per week. The lambs were then divided into 10 uniform 

 lots of 10 each. The test proper began November 11, and continued 

 for 14 weeks. All the lots were fed corn and roots. In addition lot 1 

 was fed clover hay, lot 2 alfalfa hay, lot 3 clover hay and millet haj^, 



