42 



HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION. 



[Jan. 



production is concerned. The fowls receiving animal food 

 were, moreover, in much better condition at the close of 

 these experiments than the others. 



2. Dried Animal or Meat Meal compared with Cut Fresh 



Bone. 

 There were two experiments. The general conditions 

 were the same as in the comparison of vegetable and ani- 

 mal foods. The nutritive ratio was nearly the same in coops 

 compared. A variety of foods was supplied; artificial grit 

 and oyster shells were given ad lib. The results are shown 

 below : — 



These results are rather indecisive, as in one experiment 

 the meat meal and in the other the cut fresh l)one gave the 

 better results, as measured by Q.gg production. The condi- 

 tion of the fowls receiving the meat meal has, however, been 

 uniformly better than in the other coops. There has been 

 no diarrhoea. In the second experiment, two hens in the 

 cut-bone coop died ; and at the close of this experiment 

 the fowls which had been receiving meat meal were nearer 

 through moulting than the others. 



Of course it is possible that the bone was not used in the 

 best practicable manner ; but it appears to be exceedingly 

 difficult to secure an even distribution of this food. Some 

 hens almost invariably secure more than their share, and this 

 is equally true, Avhether the cut bone be scattered or mixed in 

 a mash. The result is frequent diarrhoeas. The meat meal, 

 on the other hand, can be evenly mixed in a mash, so that all 

 fowls share alike, as it cannot be picked out. Our results 

 indicate that it is a safer feed than the bone ; it is also a much 

 cheaper feed ; and, if it will give practically as many eggs, it 

 is to be preferred. This experiment will be repeated. 



