214 On the Fattening of Oxen. 
Consistently witli tliis, Colonel McDouall's oxen required rather 
more, both in relation to a given weight of animal within a given 
time, and to produce a given amount ol" increase ; but they yielded 
slightly more increase in relation to tlieir weight. The compa- 
rison would of course be still more in favour of the results at 
Woburn than the Table shows, if the corrections above supposed 
be adopted. 
In Mr. Templeton's experiments the animals were also fed 
under cover. The food consisted of hay, straw, and roots, with- 
out any cake or corn. Taking the data as they are given, 
our calculations show that, with this comparatively inferior food- 
mixture, there was less dry substance required, both in relation 
to a given weight of animal within a given time, and to produce 
a given amount of increase, than in either of the other cases of 
much higher feeding. In fact, we are inclined to think that 
there must be an error somewhere, in the records of Mr. Temple- 
ton's experiments. 
Upon the whole, we think the general averages given in the 
bottom line of the Table, may be taken as very fairly representing 
what should be the result of fattening oxen, liberally, and under 
cover. We assume that, in round numbers, they will consume 
12 to 13 lbs. dry substance of their mixed food per week, for 
every 100 lbs. of live-weight; and that, for this 12 to 13 lbs. 
they will yield 1 lb. of increase in live-weight — that is, increase 
equal to 1 per cent, per week, or nearly, on their weight. 
Comparison between Oxen, Sheep, and Pigs. 
In the next Table (XII.) the above general average results 
obtained with fattening oxen, are compared with those of our 
numerous experiments with fattening sheep and pigs : — 
Table XII. 
Number 
of 
Experi- 
mtuts. 
Number 
of 
Animals. 
Average 
duration 
of 
Experi- 
ment. 
Dry Substance of Food consumed. 
'Increase 
per 100 lbs. 
Live- 
wi'ight 
per Week. 
Per Head 
per Week. 
Per 100 lbs. 
Live- 
weight 
per Week. 
To produce 
1 lb. 
increase 
in Ijivo- 
weiglit. 
Oxen .. 
Sheep 
Pigs . . 
27 
19 
33 
112 
307 
104 
days 
87 
143 
58 
lbs. 
146^ 
20i 
48 
lbs. 
12-1 
15-9 
27-0 
lljs. 
13-0 
9-2 
4-8 
lbs. 
0'94 
1-72 
5-02 
Before considering the results recorded in this comprehensive 
Summary Table, the reader should call to mind the distinctions 
between the different animals, in point of structure, and the cha- 
racter of their food. 
