Some progress was made last year in separating the two lines. Prelim- 

 inary results this year indicate that the lines remain separated. Since during 

 the growing period efficiency data was obtained on individuals, and since 

 there are superior families in each line, the opportunity for selection within 

 each line is greater this year than last 



W. M. Collins, F. L. Cherms, Jr. 



Good Poultry Ranges Can Lower Pullet Rearing Costs 



Pullets were reared from 10 to 22 weeks of age on range plots, on 

 which the predominant vegetation was ladino clover, in order to determine 

 the extent to which the feeding program might be modified and rearing 

 costs reduced. Full feeding of pullets was compared with scratch grain full 

 fed and with pellets and oats fed on a restricted basis. When compared to 

 pellets full feci, the scratch grain program decreased feed cost per pullet by 

 24 cents and the restricted feeding program decreased feed cost by 12 cents. 

 Egg production was delayed 1 1 days in the group fed scratch grain with no 

 difference for the other groups. At the termination of the test at 42 weeks of 

 age, there were only small differences among the groups in egg production, 

 feed consumed, egg size, and body weight. Considering the complete period 

 from 10 to 42 weeks of age, the pullets reared on scratch grain returned 64 

 cents more per bird above feed cost. There was no difference between the 

 other two groups. It would thus appear that the ladino clover was an impor- 

 tant supplement to this minimum grain feeding program. 



R. C. RiNGROSE, R. ]\I. Hatch 



Methionine and Methionine Hydroxy Analogue 

 May Improve Broiler Feeds 



Currently there is much interest in supplementing starting and broiler 

 feeds with the amino acid methionine. This interest is a result of production 

 of methionine by the chemical industry at a price which warrants consider- 

 ation of its use. 



In three experiments during the year, the value of methionine and 

 methionine hydroxy analogue has been studied. In two of the three experi- 

 ments growth and/or feed efficiency was im.proved. The use of either of 

 these amino acids resulted in an increased net return per 1000 broilers 

 raised which ranged between four and twelve dollars. 



R. C. RiNGRosE, W. R. Sanson 



Mass Immunization of Chickens against 

 Newcastle Disease and Infectious Bronchitis 



Since the introduction of the mass vaccination technique a year ago by 

 the Experiment Station, a considerable amount of work has been conducted 

 here and elsewhere to improve on the techniques available and to develop 

 new approaches. 



Field trials have been conducted in New Hampshire on over 5,000,000 

 birds, using the spray method at various chick age levels. Recently trials 

 with combination "dust vaccine have been started and the results are fairly 

 encouraging. 



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