OBSERVATIONS 31 



How this can be accomplished is clearly shown in the data sub- 

 mitted. From the time a calf is dropped there should be light, careful, 

 and methodical feeding so that it will make normal gain every day. By 

 this method it will be ready for market in approximately two years. 

 Comparing the small amount of feed consumed during the first year 

 and the short time required to fit calves for the market after they re- 

 turn from pasture, with the way they are handled in general practice, 

 it will be seen that there is great opportunity for reducing the cost of 

 production. 



In view of the fact that about half the feed consumed by steers dur- 

 ing their lifetime is expended for maintenance, getting them into mar- 

 ket condition in as short a time as possible is a very important factor 

 in bringing profit. This can more surely be brought about by the 

 methods outlined above than by those in general vogue. Heavier grain- 

 feeding is wasteful, and bringing them to higher weights than was 

 done in this investigation is expensive, as is shown in Table XIV, and 

 increases the liability of loss to the producer, the purveyor, and the 

 consumer. 



