ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 1007 



In u test of alfalfa alone as compared with alfalfa supplemented by Egyptian corn 

 (heads and stalks), barley (grain and straw), wheat hay, and sorghum hay it was 

 found that 4 steers on alfalfa alone gained 720 lbs. in 7 months, while an equal num- 

 ber fed the mixed ration gained only 365 lbs. The alfalfa was used as a soiling 

 crop and as hay. The author notes that during the winter when hay was fed the 

 gains on the alfalfa ration were especially marked. 



In a discussion of the economy of soiling as compared with pasturage it is stated 

 that 5l) lbs. of green alfalfa was required per pound of gain when used as a soiling 

 crop and 51' lhs. when used as pasturage. "These tentative figures, obtained with 

 range steers, could doubtless be improved upon with tame valley-bred animals." 



A test of calf rations, A. L. IIaecker (Nebraska Sta. Bui. 87, pp. 3-10, figs. 3). — 

 I'sing 3 lots of 8 calves each the relative merits of linseed meal, corn germ oil meal, 

 and corn oil for supplementing skim milk were studied. The linseed meal and the 

 corn germ oil meal were at first mixed with the skim milk and later with the corn 

 ami oats, which formed a part of the ration. One-half teaeupful at a feed was the 

 maximum amount given. The corn oil was emulsified with skim milk by churning 

 4 or 5 minutes. The emulsion would last for ©nly about 20 minutes, which was, 

 however, long enough for the purpose. At first a 3 per cent mixture was used, hut 

 as this proved laxative the amount of oil was reduced to 2 per cent. The grain feed- 

 ing generally began when the calves were 6 weeks old, and hay or grass was supplied 

 at all times. In the 24 weeks of the test the average gain on linseed meal was 229 

 lbs. and the cost of a pound of gain 4.r> cts. Similar values on the corn germ oil 

 meal were 237.37 lbs. and 4.7 cts., and on corn oil 224.12 lbs. and 5.9 cts. The 

 author's conclusions follow: 



" From the results obtained in this experiment it is safe to say that linseed meal 

 is not only an excellent food for replacing butter fat in skim milk for calf feeding, 

 hut also an economic food in comparison with others. 



"Germ oil meal gave about as good results as linseed meal and may he recom- 

 mended as a calf food. 



"Corn oil in this test proved too expensive and required too much work for profit- 

 able calf rearing. A 2 per cent oil mixture proved rather laxative for obtaining 

 the best results. 



" The calves fed linseed meal and germ oil meal were in good condition at the end 

 of the test. 



The Africander breed of cattle, A. C. Macdonald {Transvaal Agr. Jour., S 

 (1904), No. 9, pp. 1-4)- — The breed known as Africander cattle is described and their 

 uses for draft purposes and as beef and dairy animals pointed out. The author calls 

 attention to the fact that although little attention has been paid to their milking 

 qualities many of the cows are fair milkers, giving milk very rich in butter fat. 

 Methods for improving the breed are suggested. 



Pasturing sheep on weedy ground, T. F. McConnell (Arizona Sta. Epf. 1904, 

 p. 488). — During the year a flock of 15 ewes has been pastured on weedy corners and 

 ditch banks, being confined by a portable fence. "They were effective in clearing 

 up weedy places and checking growth of vegetation along ditch banks, but with no 

 profit from a feeder's point of view." 



Pig breeding in Ireland (Jour. Dept. Agr. and Tech. Jnsfr. Ireland, 5 (1904), 

 Xo. 1, pp. 75-86, fig. 1) . — Pig breeding, feeding, and management are discussed, with 

 special reference to the methods which are considered in Ireland to be the most 

 successful . 



On pig breeding and bacon curing, J. de Mestre ( Transvaal Agr. Jour., 3 (1904), 

 No. !>, pp. 10-12). — Pig breeding and fattening is discussed and brief directions are 

 given for slaughtering and dressing and for curing meat, the article being adapted to 

 the needs of farmers and others who wish to prepare pork for home use. 



