PROGRESSIVE BEEF CATTLE RAISING 



from the standpoint of greatest efficiency in cattle feed- 

 ing that not too many animals be confined in the same 

 lot. The balance point as to numbers is determined by 

 the rate at which the cattle gain and the increase in 

 costs due to equipment and greater amount of labor. 

 East of the Mississippi, the best results are obtained with 

 from 30 to 45 steers in a lot, while farther west as many 

 as 250 may be handled. The determining factors are 

 the cost of labor and land as compared to the gains of the 

 animals. The usual space required for steers has been 



found by experience to run about qo to 100 square feet 

 per head, including shed covering which should allow 

 20 to 25 square feet each. Where feeding is to be con- 

 ducted over a period of time hard surfaced lots should be 

 maintained, the shed being open, but closed to the north, 

 west and east. Concrete foundations prove most suit- 

 able, but are too expensive in many sections of the 



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