Results of Steer-feeding Trials at the Stations. 



357 



Commenting on this Georgeson writes: " A mixture of molasses 

 and corn meal proved to be a very inferior fattening material." 

 (347) 



553. The " balanced " ration. It is reasonable to suppose, and 

 experiment proves, that a combination of two or more varieties 

 of grain gives more economical returns for a given weight of 

 feed than a single kind. This is illustrated in experiments by 

 Georgeson at the Kansas Station. l In three trials, one lot of 

 steers was fed a " balanced ration, 77 containing a "judicious mixt- 

 ure of corn meal, oil meal, bran and shorts, the proportion of 

 the albuminoids and carbohydrates in the feed to approximate the 

 requirements of the feeding standard, and in addition to this mixt- 

 ure to have what corn fodder and hay they would eat." Against 

 steers thus fed were others whose allowance consisted of ear corn, 

 with corn stover and prairie hay for roughage. The data given 

 are averages for one steer: 



Result of three years' experiments feeding a "balanced ration 17 

 against ear corn Kansas Station. 



A. Experiment of 1892, lasting 6 months with 5 steers on each side. 



B. Experiment of 1893, lasting 4 months with 5 steers on each side. 



C. Experiment of 1896, lasting 5 months with 5 steers on each side. 



The average of three trials shows: 



Corn consumed for 100 pounds gain 1,271 pounds. 



Mixed grains consumed for 100 pounds gain 905 pounds. 



These figures show that 28 per cent, less grain was required 



1 Buls. 34, 39 and 60. 



