78 ANIs^UAL REPOKTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



The bureau has also taken energetic steps to check attempts at 

 shippmg diseased stock interstate, and perfected and strengthened 

 its regulations especially with regard to bovine tuberculosis. 



Coupled with those efforts, and to acquaint stockmen with the con- 

 structive side of the work, it has pointed out at frequent intervals 

 the purpose of the regulations. As a result closer cooperation is de- 

 veloping between the public and the bureau's inspectors and A^eteri- 

 narians a condition helpful to the effectiveness of field work. 



MEAT INSPECTION RENDERS LARGE SERVICE. 



The Meat Inspection Division set a new high mark in the extent 

 of its service to the public. During the year more than 70,000,000 

 animals were slaughtered under Federal inspection, an increase of 

 about one-fifth over last 3'ear, and also over the average of the last 

 12 years. Besides the bureau completed a survey of numicipal and 

 State meat inspection, and is prepared to aid cities in inaugurating 

 or improving local supervision over their meat supplies. 



IMPROVEMENT IN QUALITY OF LIVE STOCK. 



From records collected it appears that the per capita meat con- 

 sumption in the United States is increasing. This condition and the 

 increase in population of the country point to the need for closely 

 studying methods of production, especially with a view of making 

 them as economical and attractive as possible. A similar problem 

 exists regarding dairy and poultry products. 



To establish and disseminate information on sound principles of 

 production the }' ear's work included numerous experiments in feed- 

 ing, breeding, and care of stock. An extensive breeding experiment 

 witii dairy cows has been undertaken cooperatively with two States. 

 Results 01 many years of cow-testing work in all parts of the country 

 were compiled, condensed, and prepared for publication. Poultry 

 culling as a practical means of improving the average ogg production 

 has received special attention. 



In all classes of live stock the value of purebred sires of good type 

 has become so evident that a special campaign has been undertaken 

 to place the facts before the public and enlist efforts to use purebred 

 sires. In cooperation with the various agricultural colleges, live- 

 stock associations and similar organizations, the bureau formulated 

 plans for the work applicable to all parts of the country, and the 

 campaign was inaugurated, effective October 1, 1919, under the slogan 

 " Better Sires Better Stock." Briefly, it provides (1) official recog- 

 nition for live-stock breeders using purebred sires in all classes of 

 stock; (2) a means of recording prominent breeds and varieties in 

 States and counties; and (3) printed information on successful breed- 

 ing methods suitable to average farm conditions. Every live-stock 

 owner is eligible to enrollment in the campaign, the purpose of which 

 is to banish scrub and inferior sires from the United States. 



LITERATURE. 



During the year 83 new publications were issued or contributed by 

 the bureau. These include 15 Farmers' Bulletins, 10 Department Bul- 

 letins, 8 contributions to the Department Yearbook, 12 issues of 



