June, 1940] AGRICULTUR.\L RESEARCH IN N. H. 41 



laying cages. Previous results have been summarized and published 

 in Bulletin 312. For the year 1939-40 similar studies are being 

 carried on with birds held in floor pens. These studies will record 

 the effect of various animal protein sources at different levels upon 

 fertility and hatchability, as well as mortality, growth efficiency, 

 and egg production. 



The chemical phases of this project have been expanded and con- 

 siderable data obtained by S. R. Shinier and H. A. Davis. Portions 

 of the analytical work and a comprehensive study of the data are 

 still in progress. 



In searching for a suitable method to determine the uric acid in 

 the mixed excreta of the birds, several methods Avere investigated. 

 Two methods in particular were tried and that of Shirley and Van 

 Landingham was found to be the most satisfactory. Further studies, 

 however, will be made with both methods. 



The samples collected from the feeding experiments mentioned in 

 the last annual report have been analyzed. A second feeding trial 

 was made with the only difference being that the feed was in the 

 form of pellets rather than dry mash. 



At the conclusion of the feeding experiment, the alimentary tract 

 of each bird was removed and the pH of the various portions of the 

 tract, together with its contents, was determined. This w^ork is be- 

 ing continued. (Purncll Fvnd) 



Re-test of Gas-Burning Brooders 



To test further the efficiency of gas-burning brooders, another test 

 was made by T. B. Charles and P. A. Wilcox during the spring of 

 1939 at the University Poultry farm. 



The company manufacturing the brooder under test, as a result 

 of our previous year's recommendation, equipped it with a larger 

 gas-burning head, which was the only change made. 



The brooding period extended from February 16. 1939 to June 10, 

 1939. The breed used was Barred Plymouth Rock. Mortality to 

 twelve v.eeks was only 3.2 per cent from all causes. One chick was 

 picked, and one accidentally hanged. 



Growth, feathering and general condition of chicks were satisfac- 

 tory. The cockerels' average weight was 2.97 pounds at 12 weeks 

 of age. and the pullets' 2.6 pounds each at 12 weeks of age. 



The results secured with the gas-burning brooder, which had been 

 provided with a special burner for cold weather use, indicated that 

 tliis method of brooding can be successfully used during cold Aveath- 

 er. The gas consumed was 310 lbs. during the twelve-week brood- 

 ing period. (Purnell Fund) 



Record of Performance 



With an increase this coming year, (1939-1940), in Record of Per- 

 formance membership, fourteen members will enter approximately 

 5,500 pullets and 1,300 turkeys under the program as compared to 

 eleven members having entered 4,637 birds during 1938-39, report R. 

 C. Durgin and David Flagg. Of these 4,637 birds, 1410 or 30.4 per 

 cent met Record of Performance requirements. To meet Record of 



