Selection for Better Feed Utilization Efficiency 



Twelve males and 24 females of the station strain of New Hampshires 

 were fed individually for a j^eriod of approximately 5 weeks so as to meas- 

 ure differences in feed requirements for maintenance. The males were of 

 similar weight : the females were all ahout the same weight and laying at 

 approximately the same rate of production. Among the males and also 

 among the females the most efficient chicken consumed ai)pr()ximately 82 

 percent as much feed as the least efficient individual. 



The most efficient males were mated with the most efficient females : 

 the least efficient male with the least efficient females. The efficiency of 

 feed utilization for growth is heing measured in the progeny. There is no 

 difference in average efficiency of the offspring from the two matings, hut 

 one family in each mating appears to show promise. 



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



Will Improved Broilers Result from Crossing 

 Strains of New Hampshires? 



Five pure strains of New Hampshire's and certain crosses of these 

 strains have heen studied for the past 2 years to compare the hroiler quali- 

 ties of the pure strain and cross strain progeny to 10 weeks of age. Some 

 of the strains used in the second year had not heen used in the first year. 



Fertility and hatchahility of cross-mated hirds has not heen consistent- 

 1\' superior to pure-mated hirds. Hyhrid vigor has resulted from certain 

 crosses as shown by better growth, but there has been a depression in 

 jrrowth from other crosses. In both vears the heaviest chickens were from 

 pure-strain matings. It seems likely that a superior strain-cross for brevier 

 l^roduction could be founrl through systematic crossing and evaluation. 



\\'. M. Collins. F. L. Cher.ms, Jr. 



Methionine Fails to Improve Feed Efficiency 



Within the last three years, much interest has developed in the 

 poultry industry in supplementation of starting and broiler feeds with 

 the amino acid methionine. This interest has developed because of a short- 

 age and high price of methionine-rich animal proteins such as fishmeal. 

 Also during this period the chemical industry has produced methionine in 

 f|uantity and at a price which warrants consideration of its use. 



In several experiments during the past year and a half, methionine 

 has been added to tvpical starting and broiler feed at levels varying from 

 one half to two pounds per ton. In no experiment has the methionine im- 

 proved growth and feed efficiency sufficiently to pay for the increased 

 cf)st of the feed. 



I\. C. Ringrose, L. ^I. Potter, R. M. Hatch 



High Efficiency Feed Gives Better Egg Production 



It is generally conceded that the use of a "high efficiency" or "high 

 energy" feed for broilers results in the most profit. Yet when feeds in- 

 corporating the same principles are offered to poultrymen for la\ing birds, 

 there is some reluctance to use them. 



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