executed an extensive series of experiments with this object in view. His final results are as follows: As the next step in his investigations, Kellner determined by actual experiment the production values of a variety of typical feeding stuffs and compared them with those calculated from the digestible nutrients by the use of the above figures. In the case of fine concentrated feeding stuffs he found a very close agreement between the two. In the case of coarse fodders, on the contrary, his actual results were much lower than the computed ones. The difference was found to be very closely proportional to the amount of crude fiber present, amounting to 617 calories for each pound of total crude fiber. When this deduction was made the computed results agreed very closely with those actually found. Finally, for certain intermediate classes of feeds, such as milling by-products, chaff, roots, etc., he obtained results intermediate between those for fine concentrated feeds and for coarse fodders. On the basis of these results he has prepared a table showing, in addition to the digestible nutrients as ordinarily determined, the production values, either as actually found or as estimated in accordance with the above principles. The data for constructing such a table are confessedly somewhat scanty, but Kellner believes that it at least corresponds more nearly with the truth than the current method does. At my request Mr. Winfred W. Braman, assistant in animal nutrition, has prepared the appended table, in which the production values of some of the more common American feeding stuffs are computed in accordance with Kellner's methods. The table is based upon those given in Farmers' Bulletin No. 22 (revised edition), of the United States Department of Agriculture. In the case of coarse fodders the deduction for the crude fiber has been made precisely as described above, but in other cases the production value, has been computed from the amounts of digestible nutrients by the use of Kellner's factors and the total thus obtained multiplied by the percentage valuation given in his table. In addition to being based upon American analyses and digestion experiments, the table also differs from Kellner's in expressing the production values in calories, while Kellner expresses them in terms of the equivalent number of pounds of starch. These production values are doubtless a considerable advance over anything that we have had previously. At the same time, it should be remembered that they apply only to one species of animal and to a single purpose of feeding. It is altogether probable that for other purposes of feeding and for other species of animal not only the actual but the relative values would be materially different from those given in the table, while the differences which will be noticed between the computed figures of the table and some of our own results given in the foregoing pages emphasizes the need of further investigation. TABLE 11.-Production values per 100 pounds, computed according to Kellner. DESIGNS FOR DAIRY BUILDINGS. By ED. H. WEBSTER, Chief of the Dairy Division. The great demand for information relating to the construction of dairy buildings led the Dairy Division of the Bureau of Animal Industry to start a line of investigation for the purpose of developing the basic principles of such construction. In order to make the work thoroughly practical, these studies were extended to the planning and actual supervision of construction of a number of dairy buildings in different sections of the country. The work is still in its formative stages and far from complete, but already promises valuable results in securing better methods of construction. In order to place the matter now available in form for wider distribution and usefulness, a number of plans are here presented, with brief descriptions. The designs are not intended to represent the only constructions advisable for the purposes indicated, but are intended to be suggestive of certain principles of construction which any architect or builder may use in designing a barn or other dairy building for a special location. No two locations will require or even permit of the same treatment so far as exposure, size, form, or building material are considered; but the problems of ventilation, cubic air space per cow, light, floors, ceilings, etc., are nearly alike in all cases. The designs shown represent feasible and inexpensive dairy buildings, planned by the Dairy Division and built in various sections of the country. Plans and specifications were furnished to builders, with the understanding that they would keep account of the cost of construction and furnish such other data as might be necessary for a complete description of the work. A detailed description is given of one design only, but the principles are largely the same in all of the plans shown. This article will serve to illustrate the work done in this line during the year 1906. STABLE FOR TWENTY-FOUR COWS. The plan shown in figures 4 and 5 is designed for 24 cows, and allows ample room for calf pen and box stalls for bull and cows, also space for feed room, hay chute, wash room, and silo. The amount of space allowed for the various purposes will meet the usual requirements. The arrangement of the space can be adapted to the needs of the particular location. 9043-07- -19 287 |