P.D. 123 



Summary of Quality Milk Work — Continued 



Reductase Sediment Farms 

 Visited 



Total 265 3,738 1,961 3,453 3,683 88 



Results of Ton Litter Contest 



The result of the third annual Ton Litter Contest for swine for state 

 and local institutions was more satisfactory than in previous years. 

 Higher total weights and higher average weights were made. The object 

 of the contest is to raise the pigs of one litter so that they will weigh one 

 ton or more at the age of six months. The eflfort necessary to reach this 

 goal means that special feeding and care are given which result in valu- 

 able lessons in swine husbandry. The contest provides a measure of pro- 

 ductive ability of the sow and aids in the selection of good brood sows. 



The Superintendent of one institution says: 



"The Ton Litter Contest was justified because it created interest among 

 the men in charge of swine. It brought about improved sanitary con- 

 ditions, lessened mortality among small pigs, and promoted faster 

 growth. The entire herd was benefited by the improved methods, and 

 we were able to start killing from the 1927 fall litters at six months of 

 age. The first two killed dressed out 193 and 195 pounds respectively. 

 This is a very material increase over the weights obtained at six months 

 of age a number of years ago." 



Many institutions have made marked improvement in the types of 

 hogs being raised. The rapid growing, early maturing type is far more 

 profitable than the old fashioned, slow growing, short bodied hog that 

 took from ten to twelve months to reach the proper weight. 



Summary of 1928 Ton Litter Contest 

 Winners of Highest Total Weight 'per Litter 

 Institution 



1. Northampton State Hospital 



2. Grafton State Hospital 



3. Grafton State Hospital 



4. Medfield State Hospital 



Institution 



1. Northampton State Hospital 



2. Worcester State Hospital 



3. Grafton State Hospital 



4. Grafton State Hospital 



5. Worcester State Hospital 



Assistance Rendered to Sheep Breeders 

 During the spring of 1928 considerable time was spent in an educa- 

 tional campaign in trying to interest the farmers to sell their lambs direct 

 to retailers or consumers, and as a result help was given in marketing 

 slightly over two thousand lambs at prices which were quite satisfactory 

 to the farmer. In many instances he realized from eight to twelve cents 

 a pound liveweight more than in former years. 



