172 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORDt. 



In a comparison of the relative value of full fattening rations and limited growing 

 rations, it was found that five calves fed a limited growing ration for 180 days 

 made an average daily gain of 1.52 lbs. at a cost of 6.15 cts. per lb. 



In a second test, five calves continued on a full fattening ration until finished for 

 market (120 days) made an average daily gain of 1.68 lbs. per head at a. cost of 8.16 

 cts. per lb. Five similar animals fed a limited growing ration, in a year made an 

 average daily gain of 0.97 lb. per head, the cost of a pound of gain being 6.48 cts. 

 With five other steer calves, the average daily gain was 1.05 lbs. per head and the 

 cost of a pound of gain 6.35 cts. for a like period. 



In a fourth test, which was begun with 5 calves on a full fattening ration, the 

 average daily gain in 180 days was 1.9 lbs. at a cost of 6.49 cts. per pound as com- 

 pared with 1.51 lbs. and 5.27 cts. in the case of a like number fed a limited growing 

 ration for 183 days. 



At the Manitoba Experimental Farm the relative gains made by 6 yearlings and 6 

 two-year-old steers fed similar rations were tested. In the 16 weeks of the test the 

 yearling steers made a total gain of 1,152 lbs. and the 2-year-olds of 1,170 lbs., the 

 profit per steer in the two lots being §1.85 and $2.23, respectively. 



At the Indian Head Farm the gains made by young and old steers was also studied. 

 Eight animals a year and a half old at the beginning made a total gain of 1,220 lbs. 

 in the 16 weeks of the test proper as compared with 2,040 lbs. in case of an equal 

 number of steers two and a half years old. The calculated profits per head in the 

 two lots were $6.15 and $5.00, respectively. 



In connection with the tests brief notes are given regarding the cattle kept at the 

 several experimental farms. 



Sheep breeding- experiments (Field Expts. Staffordshire and Shropshire and Har- 

 per-Adams Agr. Col., Joint lijit. 1904, pp- H, 12). — Continuing the college sheep- 

 breeding experiments, 3 lots of 25 Welsh ewes each were crossed with Welsh, South- 

 down, and Shropshire rams. 



The lambs dropped ranged from 25 with the Shropshire to 29 with the pure-bred 

 Welsh. In the test as a whole the best results, the author states, were obtained 

 with the Welsh lambs. "This is principally due to the larger proportion of lambs 

 reared and sold." At birth the Welsh lambs were hardier and withstood adverse 

 weather conditions better than the others and were ready for slaughtering nearly 3 

 weeks earlier. 



Sheep and swine, W. Dixsmore {Iowa Agr., 5 {1905), No. 9, pp. 292-298, figs. 7).— 

 Different methods of cutting pigs are described and data given regarding slaughter 

 tests made in connection with class-room work. The author points out that lambs 

 of moderate weight produce carcasses with a higher percentage of lean meat than 

 older wethers and that such carcasses are more choice, if the lambs have been 

 properly finished. 



"In beef, pork, and mutton the percentage of flesh element is the determining 

 factor in deciding the value. We must produce this flesh element by selecting sire 

 and dams that possess it; and must avoid fattening mature animals for too long a 

 period, as this results in waste." 



Pork production, J. H. Grisdale {Canada Expt. Farms Rpts. 1904, pp- 70-74). — 

 It was found to cost about 25 per cent more to maintain brood sows in good condi- 

 tion in small board cabins than in a regular run or house. Young pigs wintered 

 indoors made slightly larger and considerably cheaper gains than pigs wintered out- 

 doors. 



Several mixed rations were tested with pigs fed inside and outside, without an 

 abundance of skim milk or whey. With pigs fed outside without skim milk, equal 

 parts of shorts and gluten meal, and shorts and linseed meal, 4.1, both gave satisfac- 

 tory results; but the addition of some skim milk cheapened the rations consider- 

 ably. Similar lots fed indoors gave much better results, the rate of gain being 



