FEEDING FOR EGG PRODUCTION 257 



Dry Mash Economical. — Dry mash is an excellent feed 

 for it is fed in large hoppers, and is constantly accessible 

 to the birds (Fig. 143). Thus they regulate their feed 

 consumption according to their own bodily requirements. 

 Highly concentrated protein feeds can be given in the mash. 

 Feed nutrients from such sources are more economical than 

 those obtained from grain. 



Necessity of Ash. — Large quantities of ash must be given 

 in the laying rations in order to form the egg shells. Oyster 

 shells furnish such ash. They can be ground very fine, and 

 kept in the hoppers all the time. 



Necessity of Grit. — Grit has a definite use in the ration. 

 It finds its way immediately into the gizzard, where it lodges, 

 and helps to grind the feed into small particles, which can 

 be readily digested. These principles of feeding should be 

 thoroughly understood if the laying flock is to be success- 

 fully fed. 



A PERFECT RATION FOR LAYING HENS 



In the following are given the New Jersey state dry mash, 

 and supplemental rations designed for the perfect feeding 

 of lajdng hens throughout the winter. Such modifications 

 as may be necessary for summer feeding and for different 

 breeds are also described: 



Mixture No. 1. Dry Mash 



. Kind of Feed Amount by Weight Amount by Measure Cost 



Wheat bran 200 pounds 380 quarts $3.20 



Wheat middUngs 200 pounds 240 quarts 3.50 



Ground oats 100 pounds 100 quarts 1.65 



Corn meal 100 pounds 95 quarts 1.65 



Gluten feed 100 pounds 80 quarts 1.70 



Alfalfa 100 pounds 200 quarts 1.60 



Meat scrap 200 pounds 176 quarts 5.50 



Total 1,000 pounds 1,271 quarts $18.80 



The average cost per 100 pounds is $1.88. 



This mash should be kept before the birds all the time in 

 large self-feeding hoppers. In the fall during the molting 



