465 



Table IX shows that Lot I which was fed a good ration made 

 a much more rapid gain than either Lot 4 or Lot 8 during the first 

 four months of feeding. In the finishing period Lots I and 4 were 

 continued on the same ration as they had received at the Station 

 during the first four months, Lot 8 was changed from a poor ration 

 to the same as given Lot i. This change resulted in Lot 8 making 

 a more rapid gain than either of the other two lots during the 

 finishing period. 



Considering the whole period together, Table IX shows that 

 the most rapid gain was made by Lot I followed by Lot 8 and Lot 

 4 in the order named. This indicates that the slow gains made 

 by Lot 8 during the first four months of feeding were due to the 

 character of the ration rather than the individuality of the cattle. 

 The table also shows that Lot I not only made more rapid gains 

 than Lot 4 during the first four months of feeding but also during 

 the last two months, which indicates that a well selected ration will 

 continue to result in more rapid gains than a poor one until the 

 cattle are finished. A comparison of the rate of gain in Lots i, 4 

 and 8 will show that unless there is an improvement in the ration 

 during the close of a feeding period the rate of gain will be less 

 than during the earlier stages of fattening. There are at least three 

 factors controlling the rate of gain made in the feed lot during the 

 finishing period : 



1. Previous method of feeding 



2. Condition of cattle 



3. Kind of ration used 



all of which must be considered when the finishing period begins. 



