394 POULTRY PRODUCTION 



It is sometimes considered that as long as egg production 

 ceases during the moult the feed may be cut down. Voit (as 

 quoted by Lusk^) showed that the metabolism of a pigeon 

 may be doubled after removing its feathers. In a late 

 general moult when the weather is cold, it seems reasonable 

 to suppose that this condition is somewhat approached by 

 hens. This certainly does not call for a diminution in the 

 heat-supplying foods. The feathers themselves are largely 

 protein, and demand a generous supply of protein for their 

 growth. 



It is considered good practice to furnish an extra amount of 

 oily feeds such as old-process oil meal, or sunflower seeds, 

 and an abundanc of granulated bone to furnish phosphates. 



Feeding Breeding Hens. — "The hens selected for breeding 

 should not be forced either for rapid growth or egg production. 

 In the early weeks they are fed, just as the others are, for 

 growth, health, and vigor. When the special feeding for 

 rapid growth or fattening of broilers begins, and also later 

 when the laying stock is being pushed toward egg production, 

 the breeding stock should be allowed to develop more slowly. 

 It is better for the vigor of the progeny that they should 

 lay fewer eggs and these of a high degree of vitality. Their 

 mash should contain somewhat less of the concentrated 

 protein."^ 



So far as routine is concerned, it is essentially the same as 

 for layers. 



Feeding Capons. — ^In tests at Ohio Station, Sherwood and 

 Buss' found that capons fed a ration consisting of corn, 

 ground corn and meat scrap gave practically as good gains 

 as a more elaborate ration containing wheat, oats and bran 

 in addition, and gave a pound of gain a cent and a quarter 

 cheaper at the then prevailing prices. The capons used 

 were Barred Plymouth Rocks hatched June 6 and caponized 

 October 6. They were fed for a period of fifty-seven days, 

 beginning December 12 and ending February 6. The birds 

 were hopper fed in pens and allowed to balance their own 

 ration. The average weight at the beginning of the feeding 



' Science of Nutrition. ' Jaffa, California Bulletin No. 164. 



« Ohio Bulletin No. 262. 



