39 



there may be a development that will lead to an earlier egg produc- 

 tion. Admitting that it is thus possible to promote earlier laying, 

 has it yet been demonstrated that the total product of a fowl can be 

 increased by such methods ? 



Brooks' three experiments on the use of condition powder with 

 poultry bear upon this point. He states: '' A study of the figures 

 shows that the hens not getting the condition powder laid more eggs, 

 of practically the same average weight. The food required to pro- 

 duce a single egg was less, and the cost was very materially less. 

 In the light of these results, it is beliei^ed that poultry keepers throtv 

 away money expetided for condition powder.'" (Eleventh report Hatch 

 experiment station, page go.) 



In the case of sick animals there are abnormal con- 

 Effect of con- ditions to be taken into consideration, such as loss 

 diments and of appetite, weakened digestion, poor circulation, 

 tonics on dis- and malnutrition. Until every organ performs its 

 eased animals, normal function a state of health does not, cannot 



exist. If by the administration of a tonic, stimu- 

 lant or an alterative, it is possible to restore to a normal condition 

 any organ so that it can perforin its function, then every organ in 

 the body is benefited. 



Foods act similarly to drugs in this respect. Take for example a 

 horse that has been fed for six months upon hay and grain and 

 allow him green food for a time, or feed in the place of the accus- 

 tomed ration of oats a more stimulating grain, and as a result ridges 

 of horn soon appear upon the hoofs (due to the increased nutrition 

 of the horn secreting band of the foot). 



The results of long continued use of condiments 

 The results of and tonics depend somewhat upon the amount admin- 

 long-continued istered and the condition of the animal to which 

 use. they are given. A stimulant or tonic action upon an 



organ is followed by a reaction characterized by weakness and 

 depression of the function of that particular part. For illustration, 

 the use of moderate quantities of a gastric stimulant improves the 

 appetite and assists digestion, but when the quantity is increased 

 above a certain amount, or the use of the drug continued beyond a 

 certain time, the effect is to produce a congestion and inflammation 

 of the stomach, a condition which is unfavorable for the digestion 

 of food. 



