FINISHING STOCK FOR MARKET 2SI 



of the animal. Oil meal tends to add quality. The 

 animal looks smoother, its coat becomes fine and 

 glossy and the hair contains much oil. Such points 

 as these tell favorably when the stockyards are 

 reached and when the animals are subjected to the 

 inspection of a critical buyer. In hog feeding, 

 tankage or other packing house by-products may 

 be substituted for oil meal if it is so desired, and 

 the results will be practically the same, and equally 

 favorable. Hogs respond well to a rich, concen- 

 trated feed of this kind, in the last few weeks of 

 their fattening period, and the general tone and 

 thrifty condition which they develop will easily pay 

 the cost of the feed. Sheep may be fed oil meal 

 the same as cattle and in proportionate amounts. 



PREPARING FOR SHIPMENT 



The last few days of the feeding season should be 

 devoted to preparing the animals for shipment. A 

 large proportion of the meat-producing animals 

 which are sold in the packing centers are shipped 

 considerable distances, varying from lOO to several 

 hundred miles. The effect of this long journey is 

 invariably a shrinkage in weight. How to reduce 

 this shrinkage to a minimum is a problem which 

 continues to engross the attention of feeders and 

 shippers. In general, during the last few days in 

 the feed yard, the stock should be given drier feed, 

 if possible, than that to which they have been ac- 

 customed. If silage or roots are being fed, this 

 succulent ration should be cut off gradually during 

 the last ten days, and none should be given for three 

 or four days preceding shipment. Oil meal should 

 be used very sparingly during the last 24 or 36 

 hours and in its place a little more dry corn 



