Buntingford & District Agricultural Debating and Discussion Society
The Rearing and Fattening of Farm Stock
The rearing and fattening of farm stock was the subject of the second of a series of lectures and debates organised by the above Society.
The meeting was held at the Assembly Room, "The George" Hotel, on Tuesday 11th, Capt. E.T. Morris presiding.
The Chairman introduced the principal speaker - Mr J.W. Reid, and Mr H.W. Gardener, both of Oaklands.
Mr Reid gave a very interesting and comprehensive talk on the fattening of beasts, laying great stress on the importance of feeding regularly. Cleanliness of utensils and a dry warm bed, were other points strongly urged. Calves required for dairy work should not be forcibly fed, but kept growing.
The speaker then dealt with the various methods of feeding and fattening, and said that monotony of feeding should, in all cases be avoided. One of the greatest dangers in pig feeding was leaving unconsumed food in the troughs; the food was liable to ferment, and in addition it was very wasteful.
Mr H.W. Gardener then addressed the meeting, and illustrated his remarks by tabulated forms. He specially emphasised that during the early life of a beast the carcass contained mostly water, therefore during this period less expensive foods were needed. He then dealt with the various foodstuffs and their relative values, and supplied the meeting some most interesting data. One of his points was that when a beast reached from 7 to 8 cwt., the water in it decreases and the fat makes a jump.
A discussion followed in which Messrs Kittow, H. May, E. Pigg, W. Morris, S. Pigg and G. Scarborough Taylor took part. Many useful questions were asked and points thrashed out, especially as to the best kind of floor for animals of all kinds. Concrete was urged providing there was sufficient bedding; rammed chalk was also commended.
Before the conclusion of the meeting, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the Chairman and the speakers, and it was announced that the next meeting would be held on 1st February.
The Committee also made arrangements for a debate in March, the subject of which is "The inter-relationship between Producer, Distributor and Consumer."
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