New York Agricultuhal Experiment Station. 087 



the cost of growing the pullet, the cost of food for the two years 

 and the final poultry value of the hen, there was an excess in 

 value by the total product over cost of about :U per cent. But 

 allowing a fair estimate for rent and labor, there would be less 

 net income than c(mld have been obtained by sale of the pullet at 

 the start. The first year's results alone with this pen would make 

 a better showing. ^ 



In considering the effect of different rations upon egg produc- 

 tion the results from hens of one of the better laying breeds, as 

 in this case the Leghoirn, are of the greater importance. While 

 the pen of Leghorns having whole grain fell off in laying during 

 the second year, as well as both pens of Cochins, the Leghorns 

 having the ground grain laid better during the second year than 

 during the first. Allowing for the cost of hatching and the food 

 cost of growing the pullets for this feeding experiment, and con- 

 sidering the market value of the hens at the end, there was for 

 the two years with those having the whole grain an excess in the 

 value of product over the cost of food of 48.G per cent. With 

 those having the ground grain there was an excess of 68.5 per 

 cent. The actual difference over the total cost of food was about 

 one-third greater with the hens having the ground grain ration. 



The primary object in this feeding experiment was to study 

 the relative efficiency of the whole grain and of the partlj^-ground 

 grain ration. Although the conditions were not entirely favor- 

 able for the most economical results from laying hens, the food 

 cost of production of eggs has been given as matter of additional 

 interest. 



