317 



as a consequence, were thoroughly air-dried at the time the analyses 

 were made. The table shows the fertilizer constituents contained in 

 each of the feeds used. Estimating nitrogen to be worth I5c, potash 

 5c and phosphoric acid 5c per pound, which are the average prices 

 of these materials in Indiana, the plant food in a bushel of ear corn 

 is worth iS.ic, or in a ton of ear corn $5.19; of linseed meal per ton 

 $19.39, clover hay, per ton $7.12, shredded stover per ton $4.19 and 

 oat straw per ton $2.69. It is true that it would be practically im- 

 possible to return all of the fertilizer constituents of these feeds to 

 the soil, as a portion of them, amounting to something less than 10 

 per cent., would be carried off by the steers in the increase in live 

 weight while in the feed lot ; and under the best possible conditions 

 there would be some loss from leaching and heating of the manure. 

 This would be especially true in the case of nitrogen. These fertili- 

 zers may also be bought in forms more readily available to plants, 

 although this would more than likely be offset by the value of the 

 organic matter in the manure. 



It can be seen that in the case of clover hay, shredded stover and 

 oat straw, the fertilizer value of these feeds is greater than the aver- 

 age market prices for them in this State. This shows clearly that 

 it is unprofitable for farmers to sell clover hay, shredded stover and 

 oat straw and buy commercial fertilizers. 



Rations Fed. 

 Lot I. Ear corn. 

 Clover hay. 



Lot 2. Ear corn. 



Linseed meal. 

 Shredded stover. 

 Oat straw. 



Lot 3. Ear corn. 



Shredded stover. 

 Oat straw. 



Table II is a complete record of the feeding of the steers in each 

 lot. The experiment continued throughout 180 days, but for con- 

 venience in discussion it has been divided into six periods of 30 days 

 each, which are designated as months, and also into two periods of 

 90 days each, designated as the first half and second half of the ex- 

 periment. 



