Calf Rearing Experiments. 



213 



which calves show the highest increase in live weight, but rather 

 which have cost least per unit of weight gained. 



A financial statement is given below for each lot of calves up 

 to the time weaning was completed. In this table the cost of 

 whole milk is reckoned at 4|d. per gallon, separated milk at id. 

 per gallon, cod liver oil at 4s. 3d. per gallon, linseed cake at 

 £8 15s. per ton, and Indian meal at £6 6s. 3d. per ton. The 

 cost of the hay and grazing is assumed to be equal for each lot, 

 and is not taken into account, as it would not be sufficient to 

 seriously affect the comparative results. 



From the tables below it will be seen that though whole milk 

 (Lot I.) gave much the largest increase of live weight per calf, 

 this increase was obtained only at a far greater expense than 

 the increase produced by the three other rations used. Of the 

 three rations containing separated milk the one with Indian 

 meal (Lot IV.) showed the cheapest returns. Next comes the 

 mixture of five parts of separated milk and one part of whole 

 milk, whilst the mixture of separated milk and cod liver oil 

 proved the dearest of the three rations which contained separated 

 milk. 



The figures thus far considered apply only to the rearing 

 period previous to weaning, but the experiments were continued 

 for the purpose of testing how the method of feeding in the 

 earlier stage of rearing {i.e. up to weaning), influenced the 

 further development of the calves. 



From October 30th onwards all the lots received the same 

 rations and were otherwise similarly treated. During the winter 

 1901-2 and until May 12th, 1902, the daily ration per head was 

 — i lb. linseed cake, 1 lb. crushed and dried oats, and rye grass 

 hay ad lib. The calves were fed twice daily with cake and oats, 

 half a pound of each being given in a dry state at each feed. 

 Whilst eating the allowance of cake and oats the animals were 

 tied, but were allowed to run loose in the houses during 

 the remainder of the time. They were driven out into the 

 yard twice daily for water, and occasionally had a run on the 

 fields. 



From May 13th, 1902, to November 6th the cattle were put to 

 grass, and from October 3rd onwards, when the supply of grass 

 was short, they received a little cotton cake. 



