SEE THAT THE FOWLS USE THEIR YARDS OR RANGE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3870, 15 May 1928, Page 33

SEE THAT THE FOWLS USE THEIR YARDS OR RANGE.

Feeding to promote exercise is not apt to be called for in the ease of fowls that have free farm range, but remember that fowls sometimes have to be coaxed a little to make full use of the range. Many farm flocks that have access to range hang around the poultry house too much, either because the weather - is unpleasant or because they are fed so liberally that they have no inducement for foraging. In the latter case it may seem necessary to restrict the grain feeding to a single feed in the evening, and with yearling hens of dual-purpose breeds it may be necessary also to keep the hoppers closed part of the day. Do not try to feed by rule, either as to quantity or manner of feeding. Make the conduct and condition of the birds your principal guide. Handle some of the birds now and then to learn what their condition is, increasing the grain part of the ration if they appear to be losing weight and decreasing and increasing the exercise required to get it when there is any tendency to lay on fat. Moist mash has always been favoured by the writer, and his experience, which extends over many years, has proved that it is satisfactory in every respect. One great advantage of the moist mash is that it can be fed to suit the seasons. In warm weather the mash can be mixed cold, and in cold weather it can be mixed warm. Every poultry keeper must admit that a warm, moist mash on a cold morning is much better for every kind of poultry than an icy cold mash. A little more time may be required to prepare the moist mash, but the results will more than repay for the extra work. Thorough mixing of the mash is necessary. A balanced ration should be used, and the mash should be made so that it is moist a.nd crumbly, and not at all sticky or sloppy. Another point to be remembered is that moist mash should never be thrown on the ground. The fowls will run over and soil it, and a considerable amount will be wasted. Mash should always be fed in troughs or dishes. Troughs of galvanised iron are both suitable and serviceable. ANIMAL PROTEIN. Many poultrymen are asking about a suitable vegetable-protein supplement to replace high-priced animal-protein supplements. An interesting report of experimental work along this line has been issued by the Purdue Agricultural Experimental Station. Some of the more important points brought out are: 1. Soy-bean oil meal proved to be a satisfactory source of concentrated protein in a laying mash when supplemented by the proper minerals. 2. Soy-bean oil meal as the only source of concentrated protein in a laying mash was unsatisfactory unless supplemented by some mineral mixture. 3. The mineral mixture that was most satisfactory when fed with soy-bean oil meal consisted of 241 b of limestone, 151 b of salt, with 211 b of soluble bone, 221 b steamed bone, or 421 b of acid phosphate. 4. Eight to 15 per cent, was the quantity of mineral mixture added to the mash for a vegetable-protein supplement. 5. In making a mineral mixture to supply the elements calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and chlorine the cheapest sources were limestone, acid phosphate, and salt. 6. Ground whole soy beans, cottonseed meal, and gluten feed proved to be satisfactory protein supplements when a mineral mixture was added to .the mash.