268 PRODUCTIVE FEEDING OF FARM ANIMALS 
Use of Self-feeder.—A self-feeder is a labor-saving device for 
feeding grain feeds to stock (Fig. 64). It consists of a feed box 
that holds a considerable quantity of grain or other concentrates ; 
the feed passes down into the feed trough below as this is emptied 
by the cattle, and the supply has only to be replenished at inter- 
Fia. 63.—Beef cattle fattened on corn, fed in large, flat troughs. (‘‘ Productive Farming,” 
avis.) 
vals. It may also be used for feeding steers a mixture of grain 
feeds, or cut hay mixed with grain. The self-feeder is used by 
cattle men in different localities with varying success; no automatic 
system of feeding cattle or other animals can, however, give the best 
results for any length of time, for “the eye of the master fattens 
Fic. 64.—The self-feeder is used by many farmers in the corn.belt States for feeding 
corn or grain mixtures to fattening steers. Hogs are generally kept with the steers. (Breed- 
ers’ Gazette.) 
his cattle,” and the self-feeder can only be looked upon as an aid in 
economizing skilled labor in feeding operations. Cattle men have 
reported both success and failure with self-feeders. It appears 
that, on the whole, they may serve a useful purpose if properly 
constructed*® and the cattle are put on a maximum grain feed 
*% See Mumford, ‘‘ Beef Production,” p. 149. 
