100 



HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION. 



[Jtin 



In interi)reting the results, it is proposed to note the 

 weekly yields produced in the second period by both herds 

 on different grain rations, as compared with the weekly yields 

 of the first periods, when the two herds received the same 

 grain ration, thus ascertaining the comparative efficacy of 

 the two different grain rations fed in the second period. The 

 yields obtained in the first period are to l)e used simply as a 

 basis for comparison. 



Duration of the Experiment. 



Period I. 



1 Preceded by preliminary period of seven days. 



General Care of the Animals. — The experiment was car- 

 ried out in the station barn, especially set apart for such 

 work. Each animal was kept in a roomy stall, well carded, 

 and turned daily into a yard for exercise. The cows were 

 in good condition, and quite contented. 



Method of Feeding. — The cows Avere fed twice daily, and 

 water was before them constantly. In case of the bran ra- 

 tion, the several grains composing it were carefully mixed, 

 and fed just before milking. The grains used in the silage 

 ration — cotton-seed and corn meals and flour middlings — 

 were likewise mixed, and the resulting combination quite 

 thoroughly mingled with the silage by means of a four-tined 

 fork, and fed previous to milking. One quart of the bran 

 ration weighed .80 of a pound, and 1 quart of the grain 

 ration fed with the silage weighed 1.4 pounds, the former 

 being naturally much more bulky. 



