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Les diagrammes sulvsnts iliustrent ie mitlrade. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 "XXOCim MMWTION TUT CHAIT (ANSI ond ISO T£ST CHA«T No. 2) Dominion or Canada DEPARTMENT OF AORICULTURE Experimental Farms Experiments in Steer Feeding in manitoba A Summary of Tests at the Ejcperimental Farm, Brandon, Manitoba, from 1892 to 1912 ■T W. O. McKILLICAN, B.S.A, BrnptrirMndmU. Bxiienmtntal Farm, Brandon, Uan. BULLETIN No. 13 Second Series BuUetinfl of the Sooond Series of the B dtins of the Experimental Farmi treat of such subiects as are of mtereet to e limited class of readers and are mailed only to those to whom the information is likely to be useful. 630.4 C212 Exp. Farm Service Bull. 2nd ser. otion of the Hon. MAfTTIN BURRELL, Miniiter of Agriculture. Ottawa, Ont Dominion or C'anada DKPARTMKNT < \(}RI( rLTl'HE KxrKRtuEN lAi. Fahms Experiments in Steer Feeding in manitoba A Summary of Tests at the Experimental Farm, Brandon, Manitoba, from 1892 to 1912 BY W. C. McKILLICAN, B.S.A. Superintendent, Experimental Farm, Hrandon, Man. BULLETIN No. 13 Second Series Bulletins of the Second Scries of the Bulletins of the Experimental Farms treat of such subjects as are of interest to ti limited class of readers and are mailed onlv to those to whom the information is likely to be useful. Published by direction of the Hon. MARTIN BURRELL, Minister of Agriculture, Ottawa, Ort The Honourable, The Mimsteh or Aoricvltvrk, (Htawa. Sir,— I beg to submit herewith, for your approval, Bulletin No. 13 of the Second 8erie«,on Experinifnts in Steer Feeding in Manitohsi, prepared by Mr. W. C. McKillican, Superintendent of the Elxperimental Farm ut Brandon, Manitoba. The complete re«um* of the beef-feeding experiments carried on at the Brandi>ti Exjicrimental Farm during the past twenty years, as nrenented in this Bulletin, should be Iwth interesting and instructive to Manitohnn farmers. The problems dealt with include the testing of the comparative values of different feeds, both roughage and concentrates, an produced on the prairies, as well as mvestigations into methods of housing, systems of handling and ages of animals fed. "the results a* reported giUi show that beef -production in Manitoba, under a great diversity of conditions and with a great variety of feeds, is likely to prove fairly remunerative and quite possible on almost any, even the most poorly equipped, farm. This fact should induce more of our prairie farmers to attempt to convert their otherwise waste products, such as strj-w and screen- irgs, as -veil as part of their cheap coarse grains, into good, marketable beef. This, and its companion bulletin. No. 12 of the Second Series, on Feeding for Beef in Central Alberta, are both well worth the most careful perusal of every farmer in the provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Allwrta. I have the honour to be. Sir, Your obedient servant, J. H. GRISDALE. Director, Dominion Experimental Farms. Ottawa March 25th, 1913 39286— 1\ INUKX. PAOI. AlfalfH an'u F«'«'«l for St«'»Ti« Harley vi. Krnirn Wheat DehominR, Flfffct u( Experimontn, FotMliiiK - in IMtSam! IW):i in 1895 ami I W>7 in 180H in \\W2 in 19(W in loot) in im)8 in IIKW in 1910 in 1911 in 1912 Feeding OutHidc t'«. Iniiide " Tied vs. Loow Fodder Corn fa. Brume (JiTfuns Huy . . . . . " vt. Oat ShravcH , . . , Grain, Prices obtained for grains fed Hay, Brome (irass t'«. F'odder Corn " " u. Speltz Straw Marsh, v». Straw Native va. Oat Sheaves Western Rye Grass va. Spelt/. Straw Labour, how valued Manure, Value of Oat Sheaves va. Fodder Com " va. Native Hay Outside va. Inside Feeding, Summary of Hr-uitx. Profits, How estimatpd Spelts Straw vs. Brome Grr " Hay " va. Western R." <• <"'ra88 Ha> Steers, Types of Straw vs. Marsh Hay Summary of Results Turnips va. No Turnips Two-year-olds i'». Yearlings Three-year-olds va. Two-year-olds Wheat, frozen va. Barley v. II 7 II 7 » 9 10 10 2, i:< I. 14 ir> 1, Ui 17 21 11 10 10 19 10 9 9 9 9 Mi 13 10 9 18 19 9 9 20 9 18 8 12 12 7 EXPERIMENTS IN STEER FEEDING IN MANITOBA. Interest in beef-raising and all forms of mixed farming in Manitoba is increasing. There is a growing belief that exclusive grain-growing with its attendant evils of soil depletion, increase of weeda and congestion of labour in certain months of the year, must gradually be replaced by a more balanced system of agriculture. This publication is offered to the farmers of Manitoba in order to show that the products of the soil may be marketed proQtably in the form of beef, and to throw what light these experiments reveal on the methods likely to give best results. No attempt has been made to write a general treatise on beef raising, but simply to report in concise form the experimental work in steer feeding done on the Experimental Farm at Brandon during the past twenty years. The writer wishes to give credit to former Superintendents, Mr. S.A.Bedford, Mr. N. Wolverton and Mr. Jas. Murray, for most of the work reported. Ex- periments up to 1905 were supervised by Mr. Bedford; Mr. Wolverton was in charge in 1906; the work in 1907, 1908, 1909, 1910 and part of 1911 was under the charge of Mr. Murray. The present Superintendent is responsible for the completion of the experiments of 1911 and the work of 1912. The custom of allowing the value of the manure to balance labour and interest has been followed in these experiments as is commonly the practice in reporting such work. This plan will probably meet with criticism, as not being in accordance with Manitoban ideas on the subject. There are, however, several reasons why these items of cost and returns should be allowed to balance each other in these reports. In the first place, the steers were handled experi- mentally, often in small groups, and their feed always weighed out to them. Thus the actual cost of the labour spent on them was much greater than it would be imder practical farm conditions. The reporting of the actual cost of labour would therefore be misleading and any other estimate would be only a guess. The value placed on the labour spent on feeding cattle will vary greatly under different circumstances. Sometimes a man has a direct choice between work of this kind and comparative idleness; in such a case, the allowance for labour would not need to be so great as where extra help would have to be hired. Then the improvement in the quality of help that can be gained through offering year-round work is a consideration. Further, we believe that those wlio criticize the balancing of labour against manure, underestimate the value of manure, and that when its effect in keeping up the condition of the soil and increasing crop production is more fully realized, the profits shown will be allowed to pass as real profits. For those who are not prepared to work on this basis, there is the alternative of estimating what the labour will cost under their own circumstances and reducing the returns accordingly. FROZEN WHEAT VS. BARLEY. Experiments were tried in 1892 and 1893 to compare frozen wheat with barley as feed for fattening steers. At this time frosts were a great difficulty in growing wheat and frosted wheat sold at about 25 to 30 cents per bushel. The experiments were conducted to determine whether frozen wheat could be mar- keted more profitably by feeding it, and also compare it with barley as a feed, barley being a crop that could be grown without danger of frost. The experiment in 1892 does not give a direct comparison between frosted wheat and barley, as the latter was fed in combination with hay as well as straw, while the wheat wat. fed with straw as the only roughage. The steers fed barley and hay made a profit of S17.08 each, and gain^ 1.9 lbs. per day, the ones fed frozen wheat made a profit of S10.76 each and gained 1.7 lbs per day. The use of the frozen wheat for steer feeding was most satisfactory, as it gave a return of 56 cents per bushel for wheat that would otherwise have been sold for 30 cents per bushel. The steers were bought for 2% cents per pound, and were sold at 4 cents per pound. In 1893, a direct comparison was made between frozen wheat and barley with the following result: Proet per steer. Steers fed on frozen wheat . $ 12 . 30 Steers fed on barley 10 . 53 Average gain per day. 1 lb. 3 oz. 1 lb. 13 oz. This shows that barley was the better feed for the steers, causing a greater gain in weight, but that the frozen wheat, on account of its very low market value, was the more profitable feed to use. The results of this year's experiment showed that wheat that had a market value of only 25 cents a bushel was raised to 68 cents per bushel when fed to steers which were bought at 2J^ cents in the fall and sold for 3}^ cents in the spring. While these results are based on prices entirely different from those ruling at the present day, still the prices of grain and of steers are in keeping with each other and thus the results have a bearing on present conditions, when prices are higher. TURNIPS V8. NO TURNIPS. In 1892 and 1893, experiments were conducted to see if it were necessary to have turnips in order to feed steers successfully. Farmers who had fed in Eastern Canada or Britain considered turnips as absolutely necessary. As the people of the West were unwilling or lacked the help to grow turnips, these experiments were undertaken to determine if success were possible without them, and what advantage would be gained if they could be added to the ration. The feed used was chopped frozen wheat and cut straw. Average results of 1892 and 1893. t'tcirs Fed. Profit p<'r steer. With turnips $ 1 1 . 53 Without turnips 12 .47 .Xverane Knin per day. 1 lb. 7 oz. 1 lb. 44 oz. The results show that turnips are not necessary to give good results, in fact with grain so cheap as it was at that time, a greater profit was obtained without turnips. However, the average gain in weight per day of the steers showed that they fattened better when fed with turnips and the experimenter notes that those fed on wheat and straw alone were "off their feed" several times, while those that received turnips were always ready for their feed. We believe that with present prices for grain, the addition of turnips to a ration would not only increase the daily gain but also the net profit. However, the main result for wliich the experiment was undertaken still holds good, viz., no Manitoban farmer need refrain from steer feeding because he has no turnips. 8 NATIVE HAY VS. OAT SHEAVES. In 1895 and 1897, experiments were carried on in which oat sheaves were compared as to feeding value with native hay. The oats were cut just as the topmost oat in the head was turning colour. Both hay and oats were run through a straw cutter. In 1895, both lots received the same ration of the oat chop. The native hay was valued at S5 per ton both years and the oat sheaves at S7.50 per ton in 1895, and at $5 per ton in 1897. Average results for two tears. St€ors IV.I. Ptufit per steer. Av«rajp' gain per day. Native hay S 16.42 1 lb. 9J oz. Oat sheaves 15.78 1 lb, 11 oz. In reporting these experiments, Mr. Bedford made the following comments: "Where native hay is not procurable, oat sheaves cut before ripe make an ex- cellent substitute. The yield of oat sheaves on this farm ran from two and a half to four tons per acre. "It would appear that the cultivated native hay is worth rather more per ton that oat sheaves for fattening purposes. The yield of hay from this grass averages somewhat less than the yield of oat sheaves under the same conditions." HAT V8. STRAW. In 1898, a comparison was made between marsh hay and mixed straw as the roughage in a feeding ration. The steers all received turnips and barley chop , but those that were fed hay received two pounds per day less chop than the straw-fed lot. The hay was valued at S5 per ton and the straw at thali time was considered of no value and given free. The results were as follows: Stcen Fed. Profit per steer. Marsh Hay $ 754 Straw (mixed kinds) 10 91 .Average gain per day. 1 lb. 6 oz. 1 lb. 4 oz. It would appear from this test that hay is not essential to the successful fattening of steers, and our numerous grain farmers can utilize to good advan- tage a portion of their straw for that purpose. Tests conducted more recently in the comparison of outdoor and inside feeding tend to confirm this conclusion, viz., that good results can be obtainod with straw as the only roughage. BROME GRASS KAT VS. WESTERN RTE GRASS HAY V8. SPELTZ STRAW. The experiment, which was tried in 1902, was a comparison of Brome Grass hay, Western Rye Grass hay and Speltz straw. All animals received the some quantity of turnips and mixed grain chop. The allowance of chop varied from 6 pounds per steer at the beginning of the term to 11 pounds at the end. Both kinds of hay were vdued at $5 per ton and the Speltz straw was valued at S2.50 per ton. 39286—2 g Results, 1902. Profit Avenae Stecn Fed. per itaer. gain per day. Brome Grass Hay I 6 61 2 lbs. Western Rye Grass Hay 6 60 2 lbs. Speltz Straw 6 59 1.1 lbs. The steers were all sold at the same price but those fed on Speltz straw were not fully finished and in a discriminating market would have brought at least a cent a poimd less than the others. * The result of the experiment would lead to the following conclusions: (a) That Western Rye Grass and Brome Grass hay are about equal in feeding value for beef. (6) That Speltz straw makes a very fair coarse fodder but is only worth one-half as much as well-cured hay. BBOME GRABS HAT V$. FODDEB CORN. A test of Brome Grass hay vs. Fodder Com was made in 1903. The Brome Grass was cut early and well cured. The fodder com was an early variety cut when in the late milk stage, well cured m the stooks outside and drawn in as it was wanted. The lot that were fed Brome Grass hay received 20 pounds per day throughout the test; the lot fed fodder com received from 24 to 30 lbs. per day, averaging about 27 lbs. per day. The hay was valued at $5 per ton, and the com at ^ per ton. They all received the same quantity of tumips, mixed chop and bran. Results. Steers Fed. Brome Grass Hay. Fodder Com Profit per steer. Average gain per day. $0 64 1 lb. lOoz. 71 1 lb. 12oz. Mr. Bedford's conclusions on this experiment were: "1st. There is very little profit in feeding steers when the difference between the buying and selling price is only about 75c. per cwt. "2nd. That cattle require more pounds of fodder com per day than they do of Brome Grass hay. "3rd. That the comparative value of the two fodder crops is about $4 per ton for fodder com and $5 per ton for Brome Grass hay. OAT SHEAVES VS. FODDER CORN. During the winter of 1906, an experiment was conducted to compare the value of oat sheaves and fodder corn for beef production. One lot of steers was fed 20 lbs. of oat sheaves per day and the other lot received 23 lbs. of dry com fodder. In addition to this, all received the same ration of ensilage, roots and mixed chop. The fodder com was valued at $4 per ton and the oat sheaves at $6 per ton. Results 1906. Steers Fed. Oat Sheaves. . Com Fodder . Profit per steer. S6 10. 6 93. .\verage gain per day. .lib. lib. 8oz. 6oz. 10 ALFALFA INSTEAD OF PART OF GRAIN RATION. Alfalfa waa put on test against oats and barley chop in the experiment conducted in 1911. The steers that were stall-fed that season were divided into two equal lots. One lot got the usual ration. The other lot was fed exactly the same during the first six weeks, but during all the rest of the feedmg period, received 3 lbs. less chop per day and in its place got 3 lbs. of cut alfalfa. Both lots were fed 8 lbs. of straw, 35 lbs. of com silage, and 15 lbs. of roots daily. One lot started with 2 lbs. of grain apiece which was gradually mcrea,sed to 13 lbs. The other lot started on 2 lbs. of grain apiece which was gradually increased to 10 lbs. of grain and 3 lbs. of alfalfa. The grain was mixed oats and barley and was charged against the steers at $20 per ton; the alfalfa was charged at $12 per ton. Results. Pro tit jK-r sieer Av«'ra«r Rain per Jay. Without Alfalfa $23 86 1-34 lbs. With Alfalfa 24 84 1.3 These results would lead to the conclusion that as part of a feeding ration alfalfa hay is practically equal to the same weight of oats and barley chop. TIED V8. LOOSE AND rHE EFFECT OF DEHORNING. During the seasons of 1900 and 1901, an experiment was conducted in which a comparison was made between feeding steers tied-up and feeding them loose in box stalls. At the same time the effect of dehorning was tested. One lot of steers was left homed and kept tied up. One lot was dehorned and kept tied up. A third lot was dehorned and kept in a box stall. Average results — 2 Years. Profit per stwi . iinin p T (iiiy. Horned (Tied^ $4 47 1 ") lbs. Dehorned (Tied) 3 19 1.3 ;^ Dehorned (Loose) 4 38 1 • o Mr. Bedford makes this comment on the experiments. "This experiment would lead us to the conclusion that dehorning has very little effect on tlie fattening of the animals". ,..,,. . This experiment was repeated in 1909. but the dehorned tied lot was not included in the test. Result in 1909. Profit per stciT. Avcruj' (eiiin p<'r t Horned (Tied) $ 5 79 l-'^ ^• Dehorned (Loose) 10 45 17 This test shows a decided advantage in the practice of dehorning steers and feeding them loose in a box stall. As this result is confirmed by the results of the experimenters elsewhere, we believe that the loose feeding of steers may justly be advocated as the better practice. 11 TWO-YEAR-OLDS V$. YEARLINGS. In ordor to obtain information as to the best age at which to fatten steers, experiments were carried on in 1904 and 1905 in which yearling steers were compared with two-year-olds. The yearlings were about 18 months at the be- ginning of the test and the two-year-olds were about 30 months. They were given the same feed but the two-year-olds were allowed a slightly larger quantity per steer. The ration consisted of com fodder, com ensilage, oat straw, tumips, bran and chopped grain. The experiment was conducted with a very narrow margin between buying and selling prices. Both years they wr'-e bought for 3J4 cts. per lb. and one year they were sold for 4 cts. per lb. and lue other year for 4J4 cts. per lb., hence the profits were small. Average results — 2 Years. Age of Steers. Pro6t per iteer. Aver ■aia per day. erage er dfs: 2 Year old $2 87 1 lb. 9 oz. Yearling 2 03 1 lb. 11 oz. Mr. Bedford's conclusions were as follows: 1st. The amount of gain in weight per day is practically the same with each lot of steers. 2nd. The two-year-olds were in both instances more profitable than the on 45 I 7 0S I I 34 56 t 54 21 I 19 65 t 12 59 I 8,892 lbs. , Stons 6 " 1 " 1 ton $177 97 1255 92 $283 56 $ 27 64 $ 5 52 $35 80 $56 71 $ 21 12 $ 15 59 5,390 lbs. 5,680 " 2,840 " 25,850 " Results in 1909. Forty head of steers rising three years, were bought at $3.25 per hundred, and the test commenced on December 7th, 1908. They weighed about 150 pounds per head lighter than those fed the year before, averaging only 968 lbs. and a number were of poor conformation. The steers were divided into three lots, four were fed loose in a box stall, sixteen were tied in the stable and twenty were fed outside. The outside lot was fed oat straw for roughage during most of the period, with some hay during the last six weeks. Those in the loose box were fed exactly the same as those outside. Those tied in the stable were fed silage, a few roots, straw and chopped grain, the same as the year before. ' The grain ration was light to begin with, being four pounds per day, one half bran and one half barley and oat chop. This amount of grain was gra- dually increased until, bv the first of April, they were receiving twelve pounds per day. This amount was continued until they were sold on May 10th, 1909. The following prices were charged for feed: I'pT ton. Grain , S20 00 Bran 18 00 Ground Flax 30 00 Straw 1 00 Prairie Hav 4 00 Alfalfa 6 00 Ensilage 2 00 Oat Sheaves 3 00 14 Results in 1900. OuUidv. Inaidi' (tird.) \ luMe (looai-.) Number o( itMn in lot Flnt wciitht iron " >vence FinJfhcd weight, grou " avenfe.,. Total gain in IM dayt AvKraga 0111 per itrar.. Daily jpUn per eteer QroM eoit o( Iced Cotto( 100 pound* gain.... Coit of iteert— IS, 838 Ibi. at 3ic 18.020 lb*, at 3io 4,070lb«at3io Total coit to produce beet Sold— 17,080 Ibe. at 8e., lew 8 per cent tS.IMO Ibi. at 8e., len 8 per cent. . . . 8, 110 Ibi. at 8c., less 8 per cent Sold— 4,040 Ibi. at 4ie., lev S per crnt.c l,07Slhs. at4ic., IciaSpercpnt .. Profit on lot Net profit per steer Average buying price per steer " selling price per steer " increase in value per steer " cost o( (eed per steer Amount o( grain eaten by lot straw eaten by lot hay eaten by lot ," allaUa eaten by lot... around 0ai eaten by lot " bran eaten by lot " ensilage eaten by lot " roots eaten by lot " oat tbeaves eaten by lot 20 10,«»8II». Wti" 22,020 " 1,101 " 2,388 " 110 " ■77 " IS 4 " 1379 04 I 18 8» 1838 14 11,017 18 1884 08 18 18,020lbi. 038 '■ 17,078 '• 1,1241" 2,088 " 184 " 1-2 " IB 2 " 1207 H\ I 08 1488 18 1788 04 I802-75 4,070 ll». 1,017 •• 8, IIU " 1,277 •■ 1.040 •• 260 ■• 18 " 8 4 " t 70 01 t SSI 8132 27 8203 18 1172 71 1342 78 I 8 88 8 47 8 31 00 8 81 33 8 10 43 8 18 08 23,«80lbs. 82,000 " 34,000 " 4,000 " 140 " 3,480 " 8 48 00 893 78 t 870 8 30 81 8 83 04 8 22 S3 8 18 74 18, 112 lbs. 23,408 " 130 87 8 080 8 33 07 8 80 80 827 82 8 17 78 4. 724 lbs. 4,800 " 8,800 " 234 lbs. 2,788 " 43,200 " 17,088 " 8,340 " 88 lbs. 784 " The following prices were obtained for oata and barley in marketing them in this way, after allowing for the bran at actual cost and other feeds at the valuation given above. Inside. Inside. Uutoide. (loose). (tied). Oats and barley per ton $20 78 $36 73 $31 51 Oats per bushel 35 62 53 Barley per bushel 49 88 75 These prices are higher in every case than the ruling price for these grains in that season. Results in 1910. In this season, several changes were made in the method of feeding the outside steers. In previous years, oat straw was the principal roughage used. This was fed until March or April, after which time hay was substituted. The grain ration during the first two seasons was limited throughout the feeding period. About four pounds per head was fed at the start. This quantity was gradually increased, about twelve pounds per day being fed toward the close the period. This year, the hay that was available was fed from the start when the grain ration was light, and when the grain ration approached full feed, oat straw was substituted. The grain ration was also heavier than in previous years. Four 15 pounds per day wm the ration December lit, and tbia waa incr«a 63 07 37 72 29 87 43,906 Ibi. 030 " 920 " 29 torn 14 " 13 77 38 33 67 36 32 03 18 28 IS, 994 Iba. 744 " 736 " 7,312 " 14.318 " 84,880 " 9.216 " The method of feeding adopted for the outside steers gave disastrous results. When the hay was replaced by straw, the steers refused to eat the straw. As they were given all the grain they would eat, they lived al. .ost entirely on grain with the result that they scoured badly and lost weight instead of gaining. Results obtained in years before and after this test lead us to believe that these losses were due to the system of feeding rather than to the fact that the steers were outdoors. Results in 1911. Twenty-one steers were purchased at $33 per head. They averaged 1,053 lbs. which made the purchase price $3.13 per cwt. The experiment was started on Nov. 15th, 1910, and the steers were sold on May 1st, for 16.30 per As usual, one lot was fed outside; however, they were fed differently from 1910, in that they received straw at first and got only a little hay at the finish. 16 The grain wm limited to what they could iiae properly, starting at 3 Iba. per dny and fininhing !\t 14 Ibe. Two lota wer fed in the stable, one receiving alfalfa, and the other not. In this pai t of the report, we shall consider only the group that received no alfalfa , as the comparison of two inside groups has been recorded elsewhere. The inside lot which is used for this comparison received the same treats ment and care as in previous years. Their ration included corn silage, straw, roots, nnd grain. The folTawing prices were charged for feed — Per Ici 5*traw f 1 (X) Mixed Hay 5 00 Oats and P '-y 2<) (M) liran 20 00 Oil cake 33 00 Kt:auLT». OutiiUK, InMdc. No. of atl-cn in lot First wriuht groHii Nov. 15. 1910 " avcmcc Finished weight groni", May 1,1911 •vi'mgi' , . Total gain in 187 dayii Average gitin in 167 day* Average gain per day Fint cost of attwni . Total coat of feed Total coat . Receipta from aali' 8.mC Ibx. at 6 30 per c« t. U'M 8 p.c. iihrinkage. 9,000 Iba. Ht 6-30 p<'i cwt., Sp.r. itlirinkuge Total profit Average coat per .iti'iT Average coat of feed pi>r atecr Average aolling price per ateer Average profit p ' Oreftter gaiae ftt the cont of leee (v^d cm b* made where the tteen eui be babied. ... , , , , - 3r . The Increwed galne from the itabled rteem are probably not luffl- cient to jutttfy the expenditure of the nece w ary money to build etahlea for this purpoae. nucEa RKAuno roa qiuin rto. The buaineM of feeding cattle will appeal to more people as a poaaible meana of realising larger price* for their grain than aa a leparate buMincim undertaking. If grain bad to be bought for feeding, moat farmer* would need to be amured of certain and large pro6t*. But if it can be •hown that the oat* or barley on hand can be marketed at much better price* than otherwise obtainable, it i* then a propoaition that appeal* to everyone, and particularly to the man who i« •ome miles from the elevator. . , . « , . Jn order to obtain ("eftnite figure*, the result* of the five laHt year* have been taken. The feeds other than grain have been countt«d up at the prices stated (or each year, which are good price* for home-grown productn, or, in the case of purchased feed such as bran, are at the actual cost. Thi* amount, together with the purchase price of the steer*, ha* been deducted from the receipt* of the lale. The remaindet ha* been divided by the amount of gram fed in order to obtain the price realised for the gram. The leeult* are as follows: Prices realised roR Oats. IM. t«o». isio. 1*11. ms to Outsidx ritoer* K.mJ ti> laM- Hld to Inaiile .Steen. Ct«. p«T bunh. Ct» per bofh. M «0i to 76 ! «» 117 134t 168 1 101 78 TV too 19 As in the case of the other experiments, labour has not been considered. Each reader must thert fore estimate how much the labour of feedmg the cattle less the value of their manure is greater than the labour of marketing the oats or barley, and reduce the selling price of the grain accordingly. This will vary according to location and circumstances. While many will not agree with him, it is the opinion of the author that when the using-up of the straw and the benefit of the manure are considered, the balance will be in the favour of the steers and these prices need not be reduced at all. But even after making a liberal allowance for the cost of labour, the prices realized for grain during these five years are very much greater through feeding it to steers than could be obtained in the ordinary way. Even in 1910, when an extravagant method of feeding was tried with the outsidr steers, and the results were reported as disastrous, the prices obtained were 31 cents for oats and 43 J^ cents for barley, which is not bad to say the least. Then in 1911 when good fortune combined with good buying and selling gave a spread of over 3 cents a lb. between the buying and selling prices, the figures obtained for the grain fed were simply fabulous. TYPE OF STEERS. Though no special experiment has been carried on to compare the gains made by steers of different types, it has been apparent in all the tt^s that steers of approved beef conformation invariably made the best gams. The kind that is wanted is the low-set, blocky animal with thick, deep body and generally thrifty appearance. Steers such as this keep in belter health, have better appetites, and make better use of their feed. The other kind are wasters and it is unwise to try to fatten a bunch of scrub or dairy-bred ste^^rs. Best results can be obtained only with steers of beef breeding whose conforn\ation indicates feeding quality. GENERAL CONCLUSIONS. We believe the results of these experiments justify us in recommending steer feeding to the farmers of Manitoba as a profitable line of farming. It offers a reasonable profit and a satisfactory way of disposing of farm products. It assists in the labour difficulty by providing remunerative labour m the winter, and enabling the farmer to offer year-round employment to a good man. It enables the grain grower to return some of the lo.st fertility to "is land in the form of manure. It provides for the profitable disposal of hay, alfalfa, com or roots; crops that must be more largely grown before the Manitoban farmer is successful in coping with the growing evils of soil blowing and weeds. At present, most of the cattle raised in Manitoba leave the farm in an un- finished condition. They are sold in the fall, when prices are likely to be the 'owest, and are only feeders or at best fair butcher cattle. The catti >hat could properly be called exporters are very few. Now there is a good d mand in our cities for highly-finished beef. This demand is usually best m the spring before grass-fed stock begin to come in. These experiments and the experience of the few feeders there are, show that the farmers who sell off their thin or half-finished stuff in the fall, could do much better, provided the steers are of good beef type, by fattening them through the winier and turning them off when tlie market is at its best. . • j i j The most important conclusions from the experiments herein described may be briefly expressed as follows : — , ■ > 1. Steer feeding may be profitably carried on in Manitoba. 2. Good results can be obtained with no other feeds than straw and grain. 3. The addition of succulent feed such as roots or ensilage improves a ration. 2() 4. Hay and oat sheaves are very useful and give larger gains than straw. 5. Alfalfa and com are especially valuable on account of their feeding value combined with large yields 6. Between two and three years appears to be the best age at whic-h to fatten. 7. Only steers of good beef type should be used. 8. There should be a margin of at least l}4 cents |)or lb. between buying and selling prices in order to make a profit. 9. Steers fed loose in a box stall do better than when tied. 10. Dehorning gives little or no setback and mr.kes loose feeding pnuticable. 11. Steers may be fattened successfully outdoors in winter in Mimiloba, if sheltered from the wind. 12. Steers fed in a stable will make greater gains than when fed outdoors, but i)robal)lv not enough greater to pay for an expensive stable. 13. Coarse grains, whether oats, barley or low-grade wheat, cun be marketed more profitably through steers than through thi- elevator. 14. The man who raises a good steer and sells him thin or half-finished usually misses the best part of the profit on him. 21