76 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



Concerning- the nature and value of the nitrogenous constituents of 

 molasses, C. Begek {Chein. Ztrj., 25 {1901), No. 1, pp. 8-10). — The total nitrogen in 

 beet-sugar molasses was found to be 1.47 per cent. Of this, 29.3 per cent was nitrogen 

 of organic bases, such as betein, and 48.3 per cent nitrogen of amid compounds, such 

 as glutamin; while, as shown by the Stutzer method, 12.2 per cent was albuminoid 

 nitrogen. If the ammonium sulphate method was used, only 5.3 per cent albuminoid 

 nitrogen was found. The character of the remaining nitrogen, according to the 

 author, has not yet been determined. KabVjits were fed molasses to which a salt 

 mixture containing phosphates was added. The molasses was absorbed in filter 

 paper. This supplied crude fiber and made the ration when dried easy to handle. 

 It was not possible to maintain the l)ody weight of the rabbits on this ration. When 

 gluten meal was added t(j it, gains in weight were made and a nearly constant weight 

 maintained. The nonalbuminoid nitrogenous compounds in beet molasses, the 

 author concludes, can not rei)lace protein. The tests do not show wdiether or not 

 they huve a power to protect protein similar to that of asparagin. 



The proteids of the muscles of cold-blooded animals and their relation to 

 heat rig-or, O. von FtJKTH [Ztschr. Physiol. C'liein., 31 (1901), No. 3-4, pp. 338-352). — 

 Experiments are rei)orted and discussed. 



The principles of animal production with reference to farm animals, R. 

 MtJLLEK {Grundziuje der landu'irtli.Hchdflliclnn lliloproductioidehrc. Berlin: P. Farey, 

 1900, pp. 439, figs. 184; rei\ in Ztsrltr. Landtr. Versachsw. Oestcrr., 3 {1900), No. 2, pp. 

 170, 171). — A handlxjok for students and practical farmers. 



Feeding- native steers, A. M. Soule and J. K. Fain ( Tennessee S(a. Bid., Vol. XIII, 

 No. 4, pp. 23, figs. 7). — The comparative^ value of cotton-seed meal and cowpea-vine 

 hay as sources of protein and the feeding value of finely ground cotton-seed hulls or 

 cotton-seed bran were tested with 2 lots of 4 steers each. The animals used were 

 ordinary steers, as it was desired to test the possibility of profitably fattening native 

 stock. The test began January 1, and covered 98 days. At the lieginning lot 1 was 

 fed per day per thousand pounds a ration consisting of 6 lbs. cowpea-vine hay, 3 lbs. 

 corn meal, and shredded corn fodder ad libitum. Lot 2 was fed 6 to 16 lbs. cotton- 

 seed bran, 4 to 7 lbs. cotton-seed meal, and corn stover ad libitum. Later the grain 

 ration consisted of 6 lbs. of cotton-seed bran, 3 lbs. cotton-seed meal, antl 4 lbs. corn 

 meal. The average weight of the steers in lot 1 at the beginning of the test was 

 759.7 lbs. and the average daily gain 1.99 lbs. The corresponding figures for lot 2 

 were 777.7 and 1.75 lbs., respectively. Lot 1 consumed 6.3 lbs. of coarse fodder and 

 3.17 lbs. of concentrated feed per pound of gain, while lot 2 consumed 7.56 lbs. corn 

 fodder and 3.63 ll)s. of concentrated feed per pound of gain. The amount of water 

 consumed per head daily by the 2 lots was about the same, being 42.90 lbs. for lot 1 

 and 43.51 lbs. for lot 2. At the close of the test the steers were slaughtered and 

 the results of the slaughter te.st recorded. The average percentage of valuable 

 meat per carcass in lot 1 was 55.75 lbs. and for lot 2 55.59 lbs. The average weight 

 of the liver and the intestinal fat in lot i was 10.1 and 20.7 \hs., respectively. Corre- 

 sponding figures for lot 2 were 11.2 and 17.7 lbs. On the assumption that caring for 

 the animals was worth 3 cts. per day, the profits with lot 1 were $6.15 and with lot 2 

 13.62 per steer. Among the general conclusions reached were the following: 



" This experiment indicates that native steers can be successfully fed at home at a 

 fair profit. It further indicates that all the corn stover now wasting in the fields 

 should be shredded and fed. 



"Cotton-seed bran is too expensive for [coarse fodder], and has an unfavorable 

 effect on digestion, producing impaction of the rumen. . . . 



"Cowpea-vine hay made an admirable substitute for cotton-seed meal. As it is 

 not so rich in protein, however, it should be fed at the rate of 2 to 3 lbs. of the 

 former for 1 lb. of the latter. 



" It is seen from these tests that a home-grown ration of shredded stover, cowpea- 

 vine hay, and corn meal can be fed with success to a fair type of native cattle. . . . 



