12 



MAINE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. I9OI. 



meal, three parts linseed meal, with oats as a grain ration for 

 growing colts. The results of the two tests show that the mixed 

 grain ration produced more rapid growth at less cost than the 

 oat ration. 



The above experiments show that other grains can be often 

 profitably substituted for oats at present prices in rations for 

 horses without detriment to the animal and a financial saving to 

 the owner. 



MAINE GROWN OATS. 



In 1898 the writer, in estimating the food value of our different 

 grains, had occasion to look up the composition of Maine oats 

 and found that very few analyses of well authenticated Maine 

 grown grain had been made, and as the composition of oats 

 grown in different climates varies quite widely, the average anal- 

 ysis given for the whole country would not furnish very reliable 

 data. Therefore it was considered advisable to collect samples 

 of Maine grown oats from different parts of the State for anal- 

 yses. The work was begun so late in 1898 that very few 

 samples, five only, were obtained and very little data was given 

 with them. Early in 1899 a circular was sent out to several 

 parties in different parts of the State requesting samples and 

 information as to methods of tillage, manuring, etc. Eleven 

 samples were received from localities which represented nearly 

 all the oat growing regions of the State. 



The tables which follow give the data furnished by the growers 

 of the oats as to previous treatment of the soil, its preparation 

 for the crop, the dates of sowing and harvesting and the yield 

 per acre. The weights of straw's are largely estimates and there- 

 fore cannot be considered very accurate. The bushels are prob- 

 ably measured bushels and consequently would over run in the 

 case of the heavy oats. The weights per bushel were estimated 

 in the laboratory. 



The weights of straws are largely estimates and therefore can- 

 not be considered very accurate. The bushels are probably 

 measured bushels and consequently would over run in the case 

 of the heavy oats. The weights per bushel were estimated in the 

 laboratory. 



The table on page 15 gives the chemical composition of the 

 grain calculated to water content at time of receipt and also as 

 calculated to a water-free basis. 



