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Does the United Status Need More Hens?
containing 16 pounds corn meal, 6% pounds beef scrap, 1 pound bran and 1 pound middlings, which would still further reduce the cost of this ration. If the wheat is omitted from the ration it is very essential to feed a considerable proportion of beef scrap in the mash. These experiments definitely prove that wheat is not essential in an egg laying ration and that excellent results can be secured by using corn and oats as a scratch mixture provided this is fed with a good mash containing 25% beef scrap. Cottonseed meal in rather limited amounts has been fed, since last November, with excellent results, to a pen of 30 pullets on the Government experiment farm at Beltsville, Md. These pullets have averaged to lay 77.5 eggs each during the first six months which compares favorably with the best egg yield received this year from any of the other experimental rations. No bad effects have been noted from this feed, either in the eggs or in the conditoin of the fowls and the hens eat this feed freely. The ration is as follows: Scratch Mixture 1 pound cracked corn 1 " wheat 1 " oats Dry Mash 2 pounds cottonseed meal 2 " beef scrap 4 " bran 5 " middlings 9 ' corn meal The scratch mixture is fed sparingly so that the hens eat about equal parts of this mixture and of the dry mash. A large per cent of cottonseed meal in a dry mash without any beef scrap has not given satisfactory results. Pullets fed a mash with 3 3 % cottonseed meal averaged to lay only 33.2 eggs apiece in one year. A considerable per cent of these eggs had discolored yolks, with green or brownish green spots, making them unfit for market. These hens did not like this mash and had to be forced to eat it by feeding a very limited amount of scratch grains. These results appear to indicate that cottonseed meal can be fed at the rate of about 10% of the mash or 5% of the total ration, with an equal per cent of beef scrap with excellent results. In sections where cottonseed meal is produced, half of the beef scrap in the mash can be replaced by cottonseed meal with excellent results. The cottonseed meal contained 38% protein and has been an economical feed during the past year. We have prepared a bulletin on the results of 3 years' work in feeding laying hens, which is to be published as Department of Agriculture Bulletin 561, entitled "Feed Cost of Egg Production." We expect this bulletin will be ready for distribution within a very short time. A. R. LEE, Washington, D. C.
DOGS THE UNITED STATUS NEED MORE HENS?
Fresh vegetables are expensive to ship and deterioration takes place; they must be produced near by. Hay is bulky and cannot be shipped far; that must be produced nearby. Strictly fresh eggs are free from the disagreeable odor and flavor of stale eggs and consequently eggs are more valuable if produced nearby. Two kinds of market eggs have gradually developed; nearby eggs, strictly fresh and produced to meet the particular demands of the nearby market as to color of shell, size, etc.; and ordinary eggs which meet all needs so far as food value is concerned, and in which class, the larger part of our market eggs may be considered. The first kind is preferred but is not a strict necessity. The second kind is a necessity, especially for children or when meat is scarce. These commercial eggs can be shipped as well as fresh meat; and if boiled, frozen or dried, can be shipped as well as frozen, dried or smoked meats. Should it not, and will it not be, the correct procedure" for the less perishable and more concentrated products to be produced at the more distant points; and the more perishable and more bulky products to be produced nearby? This argument for the shipment of eggs from distant points is of no value unless we are sure that eggs are necssary. We learn that many of the food elements such as fat, protein, lime and iron, are more expensive in eggs than 22
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at UPVA on May 14, 2015
Before it can be said that a country needs or does not need more hens, one must study the demands being made upon that country. The United States, in its relations with the fighting fronts, may be compared for a moment with our own middle west in its relations with our eastern markets. What has happened to our middle west? Simply this, it has developed as a great producing region where the fundamental food crops; wheat, corn and oats are raised. Mills for transforming these raw materials into a form suitable for human food, are located near the producing section and only the finished products are shipped. A glance at the last census map showing the location of the hens in 1910 convinces us that a large proportion of these little mills or transformers of grain into a form of animal food for human consumption, are also becoming located near the food supply, and only the finished products as eggs or dressed poultry, are shipped. Has not the development of the hog and beef Industry been similar and are not the dairy cattle for the production of butter doing the same? The iron and steel mills are in the coal sections, the dairy cows for the production of market milk are just as far into the sections of cheap land and feed as possible, and still have an efficient means for the distribution of milk.
in many other food products, but the fact remains that the two animal products, providing the most complete human foods, are milk and eggs. Milk is deficient in irofi and eggs are deficient in lime, and both contain those elements vital to growth called vitamines. An important difference lies in the fact that eggs can be shipped thousands of miles while milk must be produced nearby. Carefully compiled figures show us that at present prices, eggs are undoubtedly a cheaper source of animal food than meats, and they, therefore, will be used with cereals, cheese, milk and vegetables for the army camp rations.
We have learned that more poultry can be conscientiously encouraged in the United States; we have learned that the United States is the legitimate producer of the allies' eggs; we have learned that these allies need eggs in their food supply and that y.s our own meat supply decreases, we shall also need more eggs. Can we do our best for the allies without working for greater egg production in our country? It is one of the many things to be done, but nevertheless it should be done. DR. EARL W. BENJAMIN, New York. 'WAR-TIME POULTRY KEEPING." ..Our Observations and Experience
We have about 300,000,000 hens scattered through the United States under varying climatic conditions, but they can all produce good eggs for export. The writer found, during the past summer, that a fresh egg produced in Texas or Lousiana was as good as one produced in New York or Iowa. The eggs can be Handled with less loss in the north, so naturally, northern eggs will be more likely to be exported to the allies, but we can ship southern eggs if the demand is sufficient. History has shown that as the population of a country increases, the hen population outruns the population of other domestic animals. In the United States, we had 2 hens per person in 1880, and a little over 3 hens per person in 1900 and 1910. In the meantime, the number of other animal units except horses, has decreased 30%. We have been increasing our poultry for our own needs; past history of our own and other countries would indicate that we will continue to do this. Less
In writng this paper I am trying to keep in mind the fact that each one amongst -us has his own opinion on certain points. I feel that what each one says might bring up discussion from which we could all gain some benefit. What each one of us gains in information is really for dissemination amongst hundreds' of other poultry keepers throughout the western part of this continent. During these times of stress when the allied nations are fighting for freedom, it lies with each individual, no matter how low or high his past, to put his heart and soul into his work. Undoubtedly the economic aspect of this war is every bit as great as the military one. Each one must be conscientious in his doings. With Instructors, I believe the greatest point of duty is to co-operate firstly amongst ourselves and secondly to encourage strong co-operation amongst those to whom instruction is given. It is our duty to assist in cutting down all chances where waste 23
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at UPVA on May 14, 2015
But, some will say, nn matter how efficiently eggs can be used at the front, we must remember that hens have to eat, and if other animals handle their food more efficiently, we can hardly recommend the development of the poultry industry. Jordan tells us that egg production is the most efficient human food, with the exception of the production of milk, pork and veal (fed on milk). It requires 5% pounds of digestible organic matter in the ration fed, to produce 1 pound of edible solids in milk; 6% pounds ro produce pork; 12 pounds for veal (fed on m i l k ) ; 19% pounds for eggs; 2 3 % pounds for poultry meat; 36 pounds for beef; and 38 pounds for mutton. In our discussion of this question, we should remember that even though the most of the eggs are produced in true production areas distant from the markets, flocks of poultry are well develoned in suburban communities, and will undoubtedly be still further developed. Small flocks of Doultry serve as a private and profitable business for laborers and women. The labor costs nothing and the table scraps serve as a portion of the ration. It is worth while to sacrifice the efficiencv of large farm flocks for the sake of utilizing the waste time, the available space for a run, the table scraps, the convenience to markets, and the personal interest of an owner, offered by the small flocks in the villages and suburban sections.
than half of our states now produce as many eggs as are consumed within the state. The per capita consumption in the United States is 15 % dozen. Home Economics experts tell us that an egg per day per person or a per capita consumption of 30 dozen is desirable and that children up to seven years of age, should substitute eggs for meat entirely, as is also the necessity for many cases of illness or convalescence. Eggs are an important part of the training diet for our athletes and also for our fighters. Our duty to our allies does not end with the war; we must help them to re-stock their countries after the war's conclusion. Edward Brown tells us of the devastations which have been wrought in the poultry population of Europe. It is probably useless to try to change this during the war because we have learned that the birds are safer away from the war zone. We must, however, develop a supply of the best breeding stock we can produce, ready to furnish the stock to those counties whose flocks are destroyed. They need our eggs now, but they will need our stock then. It is our duty to produce what they need, and the fulfillment of that duty will be repaid; the law of demand and supply guarantees that.
DOGS THE UNITED STATUS NEED MORE HENS?
Fresh vegetables are expensive to ship and deterioration takes place; they must be produced near by. Hay is bulky and cannot be shipped far; that must be produced nearby. Strictly fresh eggs are free from the disagreeable odor and flavor of stale eggs and consequently eggs are more valuable if produced nearby. Two kinds of market eggs have gradually developed; nearby eggs, strictly fresh and produced to meet the particular demands of the nearby market as to color of shell, size, etc.; and ordinary eggs which meet all needs so far as food value is concerned, and in which class, the larger part of our market eggs may be considered. The first kind is preferred but is not a strict necessity. The second kind is a necessity, especially for children or when meat is scarce. These commercial eggs can be shipped as well as fresh meat; and if boiled, frozen or dried, can be shipped as well as frozen, dried or smoked meats. Should it not, and will it not be, the correct procedure" for the less perishable and more concentrated products to be produced at the more distant points; and the more perishable and more bulky products to be produced nearby? This argument for the shipment of eggs from distant points is of no value unless we are sure that eggs are necssary. We learn that many of the food elements such as fat, protein, lime and iron, are more expensive in eggs than 22
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at UPVA on May 14, 2015
Before it can be said that a country needs or does not need more hens, one must study the demands being made upon that country. The United States, in its relations with the fighting fronts, may be compared for a moment with our own middle west in its relations with our eastern markets. What has happened to our middle west? Simply this, it has developed as a great producing region where the fundamental food crops; wheat, corn and oats are raised. Mills for transforming these raw materials into a form suitable for human food, are located near the producing section and only the finished products are shipped. A glance at the last census map showing the location of the hens in 1910 convinces us that a large proportion of these little mills or transformers of grain into a form of animal food for human consumption, are also becoming located near the food supply, and only the finished products as eggs or dressed poultry, are shipped. Has not the development of the hog and beef Industry been similar and are not the dairy cattle for the production of butter doing the same? The iron and steel mills are in the coal sections, the dairy cows for the production of market milk are just as far into the sections of cheap land and feed as possible, and still have an efficient means for the distribution of milk.
in many other food products, but the fact remains that the two animal products, providing the most complete human foods, are milk and eggs. Milk is deficient in irofi and eggs are deficient in lime, and both contain those elements vital to growth called vitamines. An important difference lies in the fact that eggs can be shipped thousands of miles while milk must be produced nearby. Carefully compiled figures show us that at present prices, eggs are undoubtedly a cheaper source of animal food than meats, and they, therefore, will be used with cereals, cheese, milk and vegetables for the army camp rations.
We have learned that more poultry can be conscientiously encouraged in the United States; we have learned that the United States is the legitimate producer of the allies' eggs; we have learned that these allies need eggs in their food supply and that y.s our own meat supply decreases, we shall also need more eggs. Can we do our best for the allies without working for greater egg production in our country? It is one of the many things to be done, but nevertheless it should be done. DR. EARL W. BENJAMIN, New York. 'WAR-TIME POULTRY KEEPING." ..Our Observations and Experience
We have about 300,000,000 hens scattered through the United States under varying climatic conditions, but they can all produce good eggs for export. The writer found, during the past summer, that a fresh egg produced in Texas or Lousiana was as good as one produced in New York or Iowa. The eggs can be Handled with less loss in the north, so naturally, northern eggs will be more likely to be exported to the allies, but we can ship southern eggs if the demand is sufficient. History has shown that as the population of a country increases, the hen population outruns the population of other domestic animals. In the United States, we had 2 hens per person in 1880, and a little over 3 hens per person in 1900 and 1910. In the meantime, the number of other animal units except horses, has decreased 30%. We have been increasing our poultry for our own needs; past history of our own and other countries would indicate that we will continue to do this. Less
In writng this paper I am trying to keep in mind the fact that each one amongst -us has his own opinion on certain points. I feel that what each one says might bring up discussion from which we could all gain some benefit. What each one of us gains in information is really for dissemination amongst hundreds' of other poultry keepers throughout the western part of this continent. During these times of stress when the allied nations are fighting for freedom, it lies with each individual, no matter how low or high his past, to put his heart and soul into his work. Undoubtedly the economic aspect of this war is every bit as great as the military one. Each one must be conscientious in his doings. With Instructors, I believe the greatest point of duty is to co-operate firstly amongst ourselves and secondly to encourage strong co-operation amongst those to whom instruction is given. It is our duty to assist in cutting down all chances where waste 23
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at UPVA on May 14, 2015
But, some will say, nn matter how efficiently eggs can be used at the front, we must remember that hens have to eat, and if other animals handle their food more efficiently, we can hardly recommend the development of the poultry industry. Jordan tells us that egg production is the most efficient human food, with the exception of the production of milk, pork and veal (fed on milk). It requires 5% pounds of digestible organic matter in the ration fed, to produce 1 pound of edible solids in milk; 6% pounds ro produce pork; 12 pounds for veal (fed on m i l k ) ; 19% pounds for eggs; 2 3 % pounds for poultry meat; 36 pounds for beef; and 38 pounds for mutton. In our discussion of this question, we should remember that even though the most of the eggs are produced in true production areas distant from the markets, flocks of poultry are well develoned in suburban communities, and will undoubtedly be still further developed. Small flocks of Doultry serve as a private and profitable business for laborers and women. The labor costs nothing and the table scraps serve as a portion of the ration. It is worth while to sacrifice the efficiencv of large farm flocks for the sake of utilizing the waste time, the available space for a run, the table scraps, the convenience to markets, and the personal interest of an owner, offered by the small flocks in the villages and suburban sections.
than half of our states now produce as many eggs as are consumed within the state. The per capita consumption in the United States is 15 % dozen. Home Economics experts tell us that an egg per day per person or a per capita consumption of 30 dozen is desirable and that children up to seven years of age, should substitute eggs for meat entirely, as is also the necessity for many cases of illness or convalescence. Eggs are an important part of the training diet for our athletes and also for our fighters. Our duty to our allies does not end with the war; we must help them to re-stock their countries after the war's conclusion. Edward Brown tells us of the devastations which have been wrought in the poultry population of Europe. It is probably useless to try to change this during the war because we have learned that the birds are safer away from the war zone. We must, however, develop a supply of the best breeding stock we can produce, ready to furnish the stock to those counties whose flocks are destroyed. They need our eggs now, but they will need our stock then. It is our duty to produce what they need, and the fulfillment of that duty will be repaid; the law of demand and supply guarantees that.