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Cottonseed Meal Feeding Experiment with Poultry
they are personally responsible for the quality of the eggs which they sell, whether sold individually or through an association. This personal responsibility may be encouraged by getting the producers and consumers close together, but be very careful that there is some expert egg inspector between the present day producers and the consumers. T h e producers do not know enough about quality in eggs. Besides general information the producers should be given a concise set of plain instructions which they can follow to the letter. Combine the distribution of these rules with an effort to improve the markets so that the producers will get paid on the basis of quality. "Loss off" buying is better than "case count," but "Quality buying" is the method which is needed. There are a few martyrs among our marketmen who are buying on the quality basis. W h e r e the farmers can co-operate that will be the one sure way of getting a "quality buying" station. It is h a r d to teach an old dog new tricks. It is especially hard to get an old egg buyer to see the "quality buying" advantage. At least three grades of eggs can be made practically, when buying on the quality basis. T h e medium grade can be priced at the general market rate, and the better and poorer grades priced a few cents higher and lower respectively. It is becoming, more and more, the firm belief of the authorities at Cornell, that at least one experienced inspector and distributor is needed between the producer and consumer. It is not safe to let the promises of a hundred different producers of varied ideas and abilities stand for the quality of products to be distributed to, and consumed by as many or more different consumers of equally varied ideas and temperaments. Farmers cannot, on the average, be expected to be expert graders of their own products. W e do not believe it is safe to advocate direct selling as the best method. Live poultry can often be sold direct to Jewish retailers or to wholesale packing houses, but it is very seldom that it can be successfully sold direct to consumers. I mean by successful, satisfactory to both the producers and the consumers. The same condition is true to almost as great an extent with eggs. Co-operative organizations are simply middlemen, managed by the vote of the producers. Co-operation may not be needed where the right sort of dealers are present, but in many communities co-operation is sorely needed. In starting a new method of marketing it is wise to remember that it takes time to develop a business. T h e channels of trade have been very well worked out. If one expects to alter the order of things at all, new channels must be worked out. A reputation must be developed on the market. Customers are going to be over critical at first. T h e trade after one year of operation, may not and probably will not
be made up of any of the customers with which the business began. It is a matter of living and learning for any new business. It is much more so in the case of a co-operative organization where there are more individuals to do the learning. T h e producers expect too much of a virtuous dealer and they expect too much of their own co-operative organizations. W e believe that this is because the co-operative movement, itself, has yet to make its reputation. Every successful organization will make it easier to start new organizations. Faith should be the slogan for the first few years. Every co-operative organization probably has its crisis, and this crisis should be bridged by the proper faith of its members. This faith will be increased as the co-operative spirit develops, but for the present, the producers should be shown the sacrifices they may expect to make, in beginning to take control of their marketing practices. The problem of marketing the poultry products from the broad point of view, as you worthy gentlemen will wish to consider it, is one of more nearly satisfying both the producers and consumers. A radical change will not do it, because the fact that the change is radical immediately makes it disliked. A sane gradual change is what may be expected. Co-operation will not by any means be the greatest development. Co-operation may be the means of opening the eyes of the people, but it will only be a means to the end. Study and experimenting is needed along the line of market distribution to an extent as along few other lines. T h e marketing work is a work not only of handling the products, but of handling the products to the satisfaction of the people; i. e. it means handling the people too. T h e people demand a change and it is coming. T h e colleges and experiment stations should be in the lead in guiding this change of method. EARL W .
COTTONSEED PERIMENT
MEAL WITH
BENJAMIN.
FEEDING EXPOULTRY.
December 1, 1914, a feeding experiment to compare the values of certain protein concentrates in a ration for laying hens was started at the Maryland Station. Among the seven pens in the experiment were two which received cottonseed meal in different proportions. Another received gluten feed as the protein concentrate. The rations were as follows: P E N N O . 3. Bran 100 lbs. Corn Meal 75 lbs. Middlings 100 lbs. Cottonseed Meal 75 lbs. Salt 2 lbs. Corn 175 lbs. Wheat 175 lbs.
P E N NO.
4.
Bran Corn Meal Middlings Gluten Feed Salt Corn Wheat P E N NO.
100 25 100 125 2 175 175
lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs.
100 62^4 100 12^4 25 18J4 3154 2 175 175
lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs.
7.
Bran Corn Meal Middlings Meat Scrap Soy Bean Meal Cottonseed Meal Gluten Feed Salt Corn Wheat
Pen No. 3 received 10.67% cottonseed meal and Pen No. 7, 2.67%. All pens were prorated so as to get them nearly alike. Pen 7 weighed most at the start but there was no great difference in appearance. The following table shows the egg production over a period of three months: Date 1 2
December. Pen 3 Pen 4 3 3
Pen 7 8
3
6
5
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Total
5 4 5 5 6 4 5 4 4 4 5 4 4 7 3 7 4 5 6 5 6 7 6 7 6 10 4 9 157
7 8 6 9 9 8 8 6 7 10 11 4 11 6 4 9 5 7 5 5 7 3 6 3 7 5 3 7 195
6 8 12 8 11 11 7 9 7 10 6 12 8 10 9 7 7 11 10 10 10 13 10 11 9 10 10 7 272
Date 31 1 2
Pen 3 7 10 8
January. Pen 4 4 4 6
Pen 7 16 9 12
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29
9 7 13 8 11 10 13 8 14 14 12 9 8 6 10 9 10 9 7 6 7 7 6 10 4 8 7 Total 267
Date
281
February. Pen 3 Pen 4
3 5 4 6 3 2 2 5 2 4 7 3 8 3 2 7 2 9 3 9 6 8 8 13 11 13 17 16 14 19 Total 214
30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
3 7 5 4 6 10 5 12 9 8 9 10 10 9 14 8 13 17 10 13 12 15 9 15 10 11 13
11 11 8 8 7 8 4 8 7 10 5 8 10 8 6 8 12 15 12 11 15 14 17 16 19 20 23 20 24 25 370
8 13 10 10 13 11 16 8 18 7 16 10 10 13 11 16 11 18 11 17 16 15 17 15 16 17 14 394 Pei
15 19 14 17 18 16 17 16 20 15 20 14 18 19 8 19 18 21 25 15 27 25 23 26 23 28 28 25 30 26 605
40 S. C. W. Leghorns in each pen. No deaths occurred during the period of the experiment. By referring to the table you will note that pens 3 (cottonseed meal) and 4 (glu19
ten feed) show no great difference in egg production during the first 60 days. During the next 10 days, however, there is a marked difference, the cottonseed meal pen being lower. Pen 7 (2.67% cottonseed meal) laid many more eggs than either of the other two pens. The table below shows the weights of the birds, in pounds: To start. Dec. 30 Jan. 29 Feb. 28 Pen 3 116J4 129J4 120 121J4 Pen 4 117% 127% 130 132 Pen 7 125 132% 137 138 From this you will note that the cottonseed meal lot gained in weight at hrst, but later went back very materially. The others steadily gained weight Following is a table showing the feed consumed: December. January. February. Pen 3 197 160 44—120 Pen 4 203 210 206 Pen 7 211 214 223 This shows a steady falling off in the cottonseed meal lot up until the ration was changed, February 8. While these figures show the cottonseed meal ration as decidedly inferior, still they do not show how really inferior it was. During the first part of February every bird in Pen 3, if not actually sick, was in so bad a condition that it was deemed necessary to change the ration. The birds had colds, were dirty, pale and emaciated, feathers ruffled, and were the most unhealthy and unthrifty pen of chickens I ever saw. The other pens, in good condition, were in marked contrast The ration of Pen 3 was changed February 8 to the following: Bran 100 lbs. Middlings 100 lbs. Meat Scrap 50 lbs. Salt 1% lbs. Corn The change in action and appearance of the birds was immediate and remarkable. They consumed more feed, laid more eggs, and gained weight At this date (August 1) Pen 7 (cottonseed meal 2.67%) is making an excellent egg record and is unusually healthy. I do not like to draw conclusions concerning cottonseed meal as a feed. They require revision too often. But I am satisfied that 10% in a ration is too much, and I would not be afraid to use 2.5% in a ration for laying hens. ROY H. WAIXE.
AN ANALYSIS
OF A HEN'S RECORD.
EGG
Note.—The material in this paper is essentially the same as that read by the title at the meeting of the American Society of Zoologists, Philadelphia.
A hen's egg record is usually described in terms of a given number of eggs for a given period, usually a year. This year may be \ uniform for the entire flock or may be 365 days beginning with the first egg laid by each individual. Other periods are used less frequently. The mere statement, however, that a hen's record is so many eggs per year fails to reveal many important factors. The record is not a unit, but is made up of a large number of elements, some of which lie outside the hen; others lie within. The environment in which the hen is placed influences the egg record. But for present purposes it will be assumed that the environment has been uniform and therefore it will receive no further attention except for two points. First, the effects of the environment may not become manifest till long after the environment itself has changed. For example, it is conceivable that the method of brooding might have some influence on egg production. The other point is that physiological dead lines exist beyond which organisms cannot live or function. There are indications that the dead line may not be the same for all the individuals of a race. Hence, a uniform environment, if near the average dead line, may affect some individuals but not others. Thus it does not follow that a uniform environment will necessarily give uniform results. The present analysis of a hen's egg record concerns those factors that are involved in the hen herself. Assuming that all possible environmental influences are excluded, a flock of hens would still vary in their egg production. Various factors or elements concerned in the variation may be noted, as follows: First, differences in the age at which the first egg is produced, or in other words, the onset of sexual maturity. Second, variation in the rate at which birds lay, including both cycles and rhythm under this heading. Third, time of cessation of laying in fall, which is often closely associated with time of molt. Fourth, broodiness in respect to number of periods and their length. Fifth, vigor. Sixth, "special" genetic factors. All the elements designated are of course genetic. "Special" genetic factors can be distinguished only by breeding tests, as for example, the two classes of whites, dominant and recessive; or Pearl's Li, L2 factors for egg production. It will take too long to discuss all these factors in detail, but a few illustrations, which will be developed more fully in the complete paper, may be given here. Sexual Maturity. A bird will not lay until it has reached a certain stage both as respects body size and the organs of reproduction. Every one is familiar in a general way with the usual difference between such breeds as the Leghorns and (Continued on page 21, column 1)
be made up of any of the customers with which the business began. It is a matter of living and learning for any new business. It is much more so in the case of a co-operative organization where there are more individuals to do the learning. T h e producers expect too much of a virtuous dealer and they expect too much of their own co-operative organizations. W e believe that this is because the co-operative movement, itself, has yet to make its reputation. Every successful organization will make it easier to start new organizations. Faith should be the slogan for the first few years. Every co-operative organization probably has its crisis, and this crisis should be bridged by the proper faith of its members. This faith will be increased as the co-operative spirit develops, but for the present, the producers should be shown the sacrifices they may expect to make, in beginning to take control of their marketing practices. The problem of marketing the poultry products from the broad point of view, as you worthy gentlemen will wish to consider it, is one of more nearly satisfying both the producers and consumers. A radical change will not do it, because the fact that the change is radical immediately makes it disliked. A sane gradual change is what may be expected. Co-operation will not by any means be the greatest development. Co-operation may be the means of opening the eyes of the people, but it will only be a means to the end. Study and experimenting is needed along the line of market distribution to an extent as along few other lines. T h e marketing work is a work not only of handling the products, but of handling the products to the satisfaction of the people; i. e. it means handling the people too. T h e people demand a change and it is coming. T h e colleges and experiment stations should be in the lead in guiding this change of method. EARL W .
COTTONSEED PERIMENT
MEAL WITH
BENJAMIN.
FEEDING EXPOULTRY.
December 1, 1914, a feeding experiment to compare the values of certain protein concentrates in a ration for laying hens was started at the Maryland Station. Among the seven pens in the experiment were two which received cottonseed meal in different proportions. Another received gluten feed as the protein concentrate. The rations were as follows: P E N N O . 3. Bran 100 lbs. Corn Meal 75 lbs. Middlings 100 lbs. Cottonseed Meal 75 lbs. Salt 2 lbs. Corn 175 lbs. Wheat 175 lbs.
P E N NO.
4.
Bran Corn Meal Middlings Gluten Feed Salt Corn Wheat P E N NO.
100 25 100 125 2 175 175
lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs.
100 62^4 100 12^4 25 18J4 3154 2 175 175
lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs.
7.
Bran Corn Meal Middlings Meat Scrap Soy Bean Meal Cottonseed Meal Gluten Feed Salt Corn Wheat
Pen No. 3 received 10.67% cottonseed meal and Pen No. 7, 2.67%. All pens were prorated so as to get them nearly alike. Pen 7 weighed most at the start but there was no great difference in appearance. The following table shows the egg production over a period of three months: Date 1 2
December. Pen 3 Pen 4 3 3
Pen 7 8
3
6
5
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Total
5 4 5 5 6 4 5 4 4 4 5 4 4 7 3 7 4 5 6 5 6 7 6 7 6 10 4 9 157
7 8 6 9 9 8 8 6 7 10 11 4 11 6 4 9 5 7 5 5 7 3 6 3 7 5 3 7 195
6 8 12 8 11 11 7 9 7 10 6 12 8 10 9 7 7 11 10 10 10 13 10 11 9 10 10 7 272
Date 31 1 2
Pen 3 7 10 8
January. Pen 4 4 4 6
Pen 7 16 9 12
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29
9 7 13 8 11 10 13 8 14 14 12 9 8 6 10 9 10 9 7 6 7 7 6 10 4 8 7 Total 267
Date
281
February. Pen 3 Pen 4
3 5 4 6 3 2 2 5 2 4 7 3 8 3 2 7 2 9 3 9 6 8 8 13 11 13 17 16 14 19 Total 214
30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
3 7 5 4 6 10 5 12 9 8 9 10 10 9 14 8 13 17 10 13 12 15 9 15 10 11 13
11 11 8 8 7 8 4 8 7 10 5 8 10 8 6 8 12 15 12 11 15 14 17 16 19 20 23 20 24 25 370
8 13 10 10 13 11 16 8 18 7 16 10 10 13 11 16 11 18 11 17 16 15 17 15 16 17 14 394 Pei
15 19 14 17 18 16 17 16 20 15 20 14 18 19 8 19 18 21 25 15 27 25 23 26 23 28 28 25 30 26 605
40 S. C. W. Leghorns in each pen. No deaths occurred during the period of the experiment. By referring to the table you will note that pens 3 (cottonseed meal) and 4 (glu19
ten feed) show no great difference in egg production during the first 60 days. During the next 10 days, however, there is a marked difference, the cottonseed meal pen being lower. Pen 7 (2.67% cottonseed meal) laid many more eggs than either of the other two pens. The table below shows the weights of the birds, in pounds: To start. Dec. 30 Jan. 29 Feb. 28 Pen 3 116J4 129J4 120 121J4 Pen 4 117% 127% 130 132 Pen 7 125 132% 137 138 From this you will note that the cottonseed meal lot gained in weight at hrst, but later went back very materially. The others steadily gained weight Following is a table showing the feed consumed: December. January. February. Pen 3 197 160 44—120 Pen 4 203 210 206 Pen 7 211 214 223 This shows a steady falling off in the cottonseed meal lot up until the ration was changed, February 8. While these figures show the cottonseed meal ration as decidedly inferior, still they do not show how really inferior it was. During the first part of February every bird in Pen 3, if not actually sick, was in so bad a condition that it was deemed necessary to change the ration. The birds had colds, were dirty, pale and emaciated, feathers ruffled, and were the most unhealthy and unthrifty pen of chickens I ever saw. The other pens, in good condition, were in marked contrast The ration of Pen 3 was changed February 8 to the following: Bran 100 lbs. Middlings 100 lbs. Meat Scrap 50 lbs. Salt 1% lbs. Corn The change in action and appearance of the birds was immediate and remarkable. They consumed more feed, laid more eggs, and gained weight At this date (August 1) Pen 7 (cottonseed meal 2.67%) is making an excellent egg record and is unusually healthy. I do not like to draw conclusions concerning cottonseed meal as a feed. They require revision too often. But I am satisfied that 10% in a ration is too much, and I would not be afraid to use 2.5% in a ration for laying hens. ROY H. WAIXE.
AN ANALYSIS
OF A HEN'S RECORD.
EGG
Note.—The material in this paper is essentially the same as that read by the title at the meeting of the American Society of Zoologists, Philadelphia.
A hen's egg record is usually described in terms of a given number of eggs for a given period, usually a year. This year may be \ uniform for the entire flock or may be 365 days beginning with the first egg laid by each individual. Other periods are used less frequently. The mere statement, however, that a hen's record is so many eggs per year fails to reveal many important factors. The record is not a unit, but is made up of a large number of elements, some of which lie outside the hen; others lie within. The environment in which the hen is placed influences the egg record. But for present purposes it will be assumed that the environment has been uniform and therefore it will receive no further attention except for two points. First, the effects of the environment may not become manifest till long after the environment itself has changed. For example, it is conceivable that the method of brooding might have some influence on egg production. The other point is that physiological dead lines exist beyond which organisms cannot live or function. There are indications that the dead line may not be the same for all the individuals of a race. Hence, a uniform environment, if near the average dead line, may affect some individuals but not others. Thus it does not follow that a uniform environment will necessarily give uniform results. The present analysis of a hen's egg record concerns those factors that are involved in the hen herself. Assuming that all possible environmental influences are excluded, a flock of hens would still vary in their egg production. Various factors or elements concerned in the variation may be noted, as follows: First, differences in the age at which the first egg is produced, or in other words, the onset of sexual maturity. Second, variation in the rate at which birds lay, including both cycles and rhythm under this heading. Third, time of cessation of laying in fall, which is often closely associated with time of molt. Fourth, broodiness in respect to number of periods and their length. Fifth, vigor. Sixth, "special" genetic factors. All the elements designated are of course genetic. "Special" genetic factors can be distinguished only by breeding tests, as for example, the two classes of whites, dominant and recessive; or Pearl's Li, L2 factors for egg production. It will take too long to discuss all these factors in detail, but a few illustrations, which will be developed more fully in the complete paper, may be given here. Sexual Maturity. A bird will not lay until it has reached a certain stage both as respects body size and the organs of reproduction. Every one is familiar in a general way with the usual difference between such breeds as the Leghorns and (Continued on page 21, column 1)