FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 869 



"During - the feeding period of 20 weeks, the steers fed on ration 1 gained, on the 

 average, 361 lbs. per head more and cost 2.65 cts. less jjer head per day for the feed 

 consumed than the steers which were fed on ration 2; and they gained 34^ lbs. per 

 head more and cost 4 cts. per head less per day than the steers which were fed on 

 ration 3. This appears to show that of the 3 rations used in these experiments, No. 

 1 was the most profitable." 



Feeding steers, S. A. Bedford (Canada TSxpt. Farms Epts. 1896, pp. 

 34s, 349). — A test is reported, made at tbe experimental farm at Bran- 

 don, with 2 lots of 2 steers each, to study the value of turnips as part 

 of a ration. The test continued 147 days. Both lots were fed the same 

 quantities of cut straw and chopped wheat, bailey, and oats. One lot 

 was fed turnips in addition. The results are given in tabular form. 



In the author's opinion it would appear tbat at the prevailing prices 

 for grain turnips were fed at a loss. "This, however, is contrary to 

 the general experience of skilled feeders throughout the Dominion, and 

 further and more extensive experiments would be needed before such 

 a conclusion could be accepted." 



Experiments with cattle, A. Mackay [Canada Expt. Farms Bpts. 

 1896, pp. 416, 417). — Tests made at the experimental farm at Indian 

 Head are reported with 5 lots of cattle, to compare a number of coarse 

 fodders. Lot 1 was fed 15 lbs. hay, 5 lbs. straw, 5 lbs. mixed meal, and 20 

 lbs. turnips; lot 2, 30 lbs. corn silage, 10 lbs. straw, 5 lbs. meal, and 20 

 lbs. turnips; lot 3, 15 lbs. cut oat sheaves, 20 lbs. corn silage, 5 lbs. 

 meal, and 20 lbs. turnips; lot 4, 20 lbs. corn silage, 8 lbs. hay, 10 lbs. 

 straw, 5 lbs. meal, and 20 lbs. turnips; and lot 5, 15 lbs. cut oat sheaves, 

 5 lbs straw, 5 lbs. meal, and 20 lbs. turnips. The meal consisted of 

 wheat screenings and barley. 



Lots 1, 2, and 3 were made up of 2 steers each, lot 4 of 2 cows, and 

 lot 5 of a bull and a steer. The first 4 lots were fed for 5 months and 

 the last for 4 months. The total gains made by the different lots were 

 as follows: Lot 1, 555 lbs.; lot 2, 480 lbs.; lot 3, 480 lbs.; lot 4, 447 

 lbs.; and lot 5, 370 lbs. 



Notes on the cattle show of the Smithfield Club, G-. IJogers 

 (C 8. Dept. Agr., Bureau of Animal Industry Bpts. 1895 and 1896, 

 pp. 326-331). — The article contains a record of the live and dressed 

 weights of a number of steers exhibited at the Smithfield Club show, 

 together with the weights of the head, tail, hide, and internal organs. 

 The animals were exhibited alive, and after slaughtering the carcasses 

 were judged for the awarding of prizes. Awards were made on the 

 quality of meat, the proportion of fat to lean in the most valuable parts, 

 the ratio of live weight to dressed weight, and other minor details. 



"The deductions that have been made in England from the results of this compe- 

 tition have led to a great amount of discussion on the subject of the protitable 

 fattening of stock. A knowledge of the opinions expressed may be made a source of 

 profit to all who cater to the English trade. 



"To appreciate the discussion fully it must first be understood that the typical 

 beef, according to the English taste, consists of a great depth of well-marbled lean 

 flesh. With this fact in mind one can readily see that an inevitable conclusion from 



