THE BIGGARS' METHOD OF FEEDING 181 



The method of feeding show animals adopted by Thos. 

 Biggar & Sons, of Chapelton, Dalbeattie, N.B., is applied most 

 successfully to the Galloway breed. During the past seven 

 years they have won the breed championship six times with 

 four steers (that of 1902 being dun) and two heifers. And at 

 the show of 1904 their Galloway steer, " Shamrock," was 

 reserve champion steer; and some good judges thought he 

 should have held the first place. In 1901 their heifer stood 

 third against all ages and all breeds. 



The amount of turnips given varies from 50 to 75 Ibs. 

 per day according to circumstances, and the rye-grass, 

 hay, and chaffed straw averages 12 to 14 Ibs. The grain, 

 consisting of a mixture of linseed cake, maize, crushed oats, 

 and some bean meal, varies from 8 to 12 Ibs. The grain and 

 chaff are mixed, and boiling water poured over the mass, 

 which stands from twelve to fifteen hours before being given in 

 three feeds. With two supplies of roots the animals have five 

 feeds a day ; and this goes on all the first winter. Meanwhile 

 the beasts go out daily for exercise and to maintain health. 

 In spring they are let out to grass for a couple of weeks to 

 clear out and alter the system. They are then put into well- 

 littered loose boxes for the remainder of the time, so that the 

 amount of food may be under control, and the animals have 

 regular exercise (a walk of about f mile daily), and be trained 

 to lead and to stand, so as to show to advantage. The exercise 

 keeps the legs and feet in good order, and stimulates the 

 appetite. The winter grain-rations in moderate quantities 

 are continued during summer, but, in place of hay, straw and 

 roots, grass, clover, or vetches are substituted, as bulky food, 

 till August, when the final feeding period of high pressure with 

 roots and dry fodder commences. Flesh is then made rapidly. 

 As the show season draws near, the roots and hay are 

 decreased and the grain and cake increased. " Shamrock " 

 received the following rations during the last two months : 

 Maize meal, 4 Ibs. ; bean meal, 4 Ibs. ; crushed oats, 

 4 Ibs.; linseed cake, 2 Ibs.; cut hay and long hay, 12 Ibs.; 

 turnips, 40 Ibs. ; a Ib. or two of treacle being added daily 

 to make the fodder more attractive. About | oz. of crude 

 carbolic acid was given in the food each week to keep 

 the blood in good order. Towards the end of summer, 

 and during the last few months, the linseed cake was 



