were divided into two bands, the Lincoln-Merino type in one, the 

 Shropshire-Merino type in the other, and were placed on feed in 

 bedded yards as already described under Methods and Equipment. 

 The smaller band averaged 68.0 pounds and the larger band 69.4 

 pounds. Both lots were fed the same rations ; alfalfa hay, as much as 

 they cared to eat, and a grain ration made up of 50 per cent barley, 

 25 per cent corn and 25 per cent wheat. 



The lambs were fed one-eighth of a pound of the grain mixture 

 per head daily for the first four days. The following eight days the al- 

 lowance was one-fourth of a pound per head daily. At the end of 

 eight weeks full feed, or an allowance of 2 pounds per head daily, 

 was given. Lambs from the range know nothing of grains and if not 

 brought gradually to a heavy ration serious losses will result. The 

 grain was fed twice per day. The lambs started by eating three to 

 three and one-half pounds of hay per head daily. When on heavy 

 grain ration they ate one and three-fourths to two and one-fourth 

 pounds daily per head. The grains were fed whole. Lambs masticate 

 their feed thoroughly and it is a needless expense to crush or grind 

 grains for them. This experiment was in charge of L. C. Aicher, the 

 Superintendent of the Caldwell Experiment Farm. 



Table I, which follows, shows weights by week periods, gains 

 per lot and gains per head for the same period. It will be noted that 

 the gains are quite regular with the exception of the weighing of 

 December 20th, when losses of 320 pounds for Lot I and 165 pounds 

 for Lot II are recorded. This weighing came after several days of 

 rain during which it was almost impossible to keep the yards bedded 

 dry and to keep the hay dry and palatable enough so that the lambs 

 would eat it well. 



The season for feeding at Caldwell in 1910-11 was very unfavor- 

 able, due to a great deal of rain which kept the yards soft and muddy. 

 Three lambs were lost by death during the experiment. 



Table II summarizes data concerning feeds and gains and cost of 

 same. The average daily gains for Lot I and Lot II of respectively 

 0.31 and 0.33 pounds per head are very satisfactory and all that can 

 be expected under average conditions. Lot II, containing the Shrop- 

 shire blood, gained one pound more per head, and made each 100 

 pounds of gain at a cost of three cents less for feed. The combination of 

 barley, corn and wheat produced satisfactory gains and a splendid 

 finish. The comparatively high price of corn increased materially 

 the feed cost. 



After a feeding period of 84 days the lambs were sold as per 

 agreement to the Union Meat Company of Portland, Oregon. This 

 company is a progressive concern interested in building up the live 

 stock breeding and feeding industry in the northwest and had furnish- 

 ed the money to buy the lambs without interest charges, provided that 

 it might have the refusal of the lambs. 



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