FEEDS FOR SHEEP 551 



in these trials, the lambs fed the limited allowance of corn with al- 

 falfa or clover hay gained as fast as in the trials where the lambs 

 were fed an unlimited allowance of corn. This was probably due to the 

 superior quality of hay fed. These lambs required 655 Ibs. of hay and 

 only 288 Ibs. of corn for 100 Ibs. gain. From the averages given in this 

 table, the feeder may readily calculate the cost and possible profits of 

 fattening lambs on such a ration, under reasonably favorable conditions 

 and when the fattening period is not too extended. (902) 



It has been pointed out in an earlier chapter that yellow corn contains 

 considerable of the fat-soluble vitamine, while white corn has but little. 

 (104) However, we would not expect this to give yellow corn any 

 superiority over white corn for sheep feeding in general, for sheep 

 ordinarily receive roughage which is rich in fat-soluble vitamine. In a 

 40-day trial at the Kansas Station 1 by Paterson and. Winchester with 

 yearling wethers, yellow corn proved superior to white corn when fed 

 with alfalfa hay, sweet sorghum silage, and enough cottonseed meal to 

 balance the ration. Further data are needed before definite conclusions 

 are drawn concerning the relative value of the two kinds of corn for 

 sheep feeding. 



844. Corn requires supplement. Owing to its carbonaceous character, 

 corn should be supplemented with some variety of legume hay, or if 

 this is not available then with some protein-rich concentrate, even when 

 fed to fattening sheep or lambs. (201) The following table summarizes 

 the results of 7 trials, averaging 81 days, in each of which corn was fed 

 with clover or alfalfa hay to one lot of 59-lb. lambs and with tim- 

 othy or prairie hay to another lot: 



Legume hay as a supplement io corn 



Feed for 100 Ibs. gain 



Average ration Daily Concen- Hay 



gain trates 



Lbs. Lba. Lbs. 

 Unbalanced ration, 164 lambs* 



Corn, 0.9 Ib. Carbonaceous hay, 1.0 Ib 0.19 497 547 



Balanced ration, 172 lambs* 



Corn, 1.1 Ibs. Legume hay, 1.5 Ibs 0.32 340 475 



*Average of 1 trial by Burnett (Nebr. Bui. 66), 1 by Emery (Wyo. Bui. 51), 1 by Faville (Wyo. Bui. 

 85), 1 by Morton (Wyo. Bui. 73), and 3 by Skinner and King (Ind. Bui. 162). 



While the lambs fed corn with timothy or prairie hay gained only 0.19 

 Ib. per head daily, those fed corn with clover or alfalfa hay gained 0.32 

 Ib. The lambs on the unbalanced ration required 46 per ct. more grain 

 and 15 per ct. more hay than those on legume hay. 



When carbonaceous hay must be fed to fattening lambs, it is necessary 

 that the ration be balanced by the use of some protein-rich concentrate 

 in order to secure economical gains. This is shown clearly in the follow- 

 ing table, giving the average results of 4 trials in which this question has 

 been studied: 



information to the authors. 



