MISCELLANEOUS INVESTIGATIONS 141 



cent of its live weight of feed in the form of wheat middlings. 

 That is to say, one pound of feed equal in value to one pound 

 of wheat middlings will support a pig weighing 100 pounds 

 for one day, but will provide nothing for gain in weight. Pro- 

 portionately larger amounts would be required for heavier pigs. 

 Further, it was shown that a 50-pound pig used only 18 per 

 cent of the feed it consumed for the support of its body, leav- 

 ing 82 per cent of what it consumed for producing gain in 

 weight. The percentage of feed required for body maintenance 

 increased as the pig became heavier and a 200-pound pig required 

 36 per cent of its feed for maintenance, leaving only 64 per 

 cent for production. This is a striking illustration of the ability 

 of young animals to use feed economically. 



Spayed vs. Unspayed Sows. Bulletin 70 of the Utah Station reports 

 a test in which three spayed sows were fed in comparison with three un- 

 spayed sows. The gains were slightly in favor of the unspayed sows, but 

 the difference was very slight. The results of this test, coupled with the 

 results of feeding barrows and sows, point to the conclusion that spaying 

 sows is an unnecessary and unprofitable operation. 



Barrows vs. Sows. The Wisconsin Station compared the gains made 

 by 98 sows and an equal number of barrows. The sows made an average 

 gain during the feeding period of 102 pounds, and the barrows, 107 pounds. 

 Professor Henry, in " Feeds and Feeding " quotes results from feeding 

 1216 pigs in Denmark, which showed practically no difference between bar- 

 rows and sows as to gain, shrinkage, or quality of carcass. The Utah Station 

 conducted tests in which the average gains made by sows were higher than 

 those made by barrows. 



REVIEW. 



1. Give results of feeding corn in contrast with a protein-rich ration. 



2. What can you say of the tendency of corn to produce fat? 



3. Briefly discuss seven causes of soft bacon. 



4. Discuss the question of water for swine by the Dietrich standard. 



5. Discuss crude protein for the same; also carbohydrates. 



6. Tell of the needs of fat and of mineral matter for the same. 



7. Can you apply the Dietrich standard to the feeding of a pen of pigs? 



8. Mention two objectionable features of the standard. 



9. Give some conclusions regarding the question of hogs following steers. 



