1919] ANIMAL PRODUCTION". 77 



of a three-year contest. A similar report of tlie first year has been noted (E. 

 S. R., 38, p. G77). A list of 99 pens classified as to breeds is given, together with 

 the egg production of each pen during both years and the name of the exhibitor. 

 General notes on feeds consumed, mortality, hatching, and brooding are in- 

 cluded. " The data obtained this year show that a hen eats practically as much 

 feed as does a pullet, but she requires a different balancing of the food mate- 

 rials to maintain a high production, requiring nearly twice as much mash, the 

 real egg food, as grain." 



The ratio of weight of eggs to weight of feed was 1 : 4.35 in the case of Leg- 

 horns and 1 : 5.G5 in the case of the heavy breeds (Plymouth Rocks, Wyandottes, 

 and Rhode Island Reds). 



Lessons to be learned by keeping records, V. G. Atjbey {New Jersey Stas., 

 Hints to Poultrymen, 7 {1919), No. 5, pp. 4). — Tabulations are given by months 

 of the average results secured by 32 poultrymen who by agreement handled their 

 flocks for a year substantially according to the methods advocated by the station. 

 Data on amounts and costs of feeds, production percentage, prices received for 

 eggs, and profits are included. It is thought that these figures provide a normal 

 standard whereby any poultryman who keeps records can discover whether he 

 is securing satisfactory returns from his efforts. 



The incubator egg, R. R. Hannas {New Jersey Stas., Hints to Poultrymen, 

 7 {1919), No. 6, pp. 4)- — Directions are given for caring for eggs before and 

 during incubation. The importance of individual differences in hens with re- 

 spect to hatching percentage of their eggs is recognized. 



Marketing' of dressed poultry {Kansas Sta. Rpt. 1918, p. ^6). — Progress in 

 this investigation during the year, in continuation of work previously noted 

 (E. S. R., 40, p. 372), is said to warrant the following conclusions: 



" (1) Quantitative bacteriologi'.'al determinations are not an index to spoilage. 

 (2) The most important accumulations of bacteria are in the intestinal tract 

 and the skin. There is evidence that the skin flora plays a more important 

 role than was formerly considered. (3) The intestinal tract gives rise to bad 

 odors and volatile products most rapidly ; the liver next, the skin next, if kept 

 moist, and the muscles last. Nothing has been found to keep down the devel- 

 opment of bad odors without injuring the appearance and texture of the 

 skin." 



DAIEY FARMING— DAIRYING. 



Winter rations for dairy heifers, C. H. Eckles {Missouri Sta. Bui. 158 

 {1918), pp. S-oJi. figs. 16). — This bulletin compares 15 rations with reference to 

 their value and economy in promoting growth of dairy heifers during the winter 

 months, and is based upon 76 individual feed and growth records of heifers. 

 Seventeen of the animals were included in the light-fed group of heifers form- 

 ing a part of a previous investigation (E. S. R., 34, p. 378). The othei's were 

 used in a series of feeding experiments conducted annually each winter from 

 1913-14 to 1917-18 and not hitherto reported in detail. Of the total number of 

 heifers, 31 were Jerseys, 34 Holsteins, and 9 Ayrshires. One of the .lerseys 

 and one of the Holsteins were used two seasons. For each of these animals 

 the following data are published : Age at the beginning of winter feeding, the 

 average daily consumption of each feeding stuff offered, the digestible crude 

 protein, and the net available energy of the daily rations (ba.sed respectively 

 upon the average figures published by Henry and Morrison and by Armsby), 

 the initial weight and height at withers, the normal weight and height for 

 animals of the same breed and age, the daily gain in weight, the total gain in 

 height, and the gains in weight and height to be expected of similar heifers 

 under normal conditions. The Jerseys varied in age at the start from 6 to 



