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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Brussels Post, 1974-12-04, Page 6in S SINCE 1894 Hoistei s can winter' outsi e, ex eriment shows A bushlot feeding experiment conducted through last winter at the Kemptville College of Agricultural Technology has demonstrated the ability of Holstein steers to withstand winter conditions when no housing is available. Graham Hooper, head of the Livestock Production Section of the College, states; "We knew that Holstein steers performed well in our feedlot facility, and we were anxious to see if they were capable of making acceptable weight gains in the bush." Three groups, each of 12 cattle, were used in the experiment, conducted from late October until the cattle were ready for shipping. Two groups were in separate bushlots with only a thick cedar bush for cover. The third group was fed in an open-fronted pole barn on the campus. Group 1 in the bush received corn silage supplement by shelled corn at one-half percent body weight, and urea-molasses to lift the protein contentto 12 percent, Group 2 in the bush received high moisture ear corn mixed with urea-molasses, as did Group 3, which was housed in the barn. Feed was available to all animals 24 hours a day. Free-choice mineral supplements and trace- mineralized .salt •were also provided. "Obviously the cattle on corn silage did not gain as quickly as those animals on grain rations, but they did produce a 300 percent increase in returns over the cost of feed," points out the researcher, The bushlot group on grain gained better than, those in the barn, but "it was an insignificant amount." Both outside groups of cattle stripped the bark off most of the cedar trees, and a means must be found to prevent this in future experiments. The trial will continue for several winters in an- attempt to determine what types of problems might arise if the system were adopted on a continuous basis. 10. Bainton's OL MILL IN K1 "H FACTORY OUTLET (at the railway tracks) 1894 gar 1974 4 FOR EIGHTY YEARS THE BAINTON FAMILY HAS CARRIED ON A UNIQUE. WOOL AND LEATHER BUSINESS IN THIS OLD LAND MARK. COME IN AND SEE SOME OF HURON COUNTY'S HERITAGE. Enjoy shopping in this old world atmosphere Our factory outlet sale of Leather Garments,. Mitts and Gloves, Pure Virgin Wool Blankets, Sheepskin Rugs and other numerous wool and Leather Products continues until December 31, 1974 Use our Gift Certificates and Layaway Plan for Christmas Shopping, years Of quality. 40410V41000000014 15,-,,,THE BRUSSELS POST,. DECEMBER l 1974',