1. The sperm production of a pony stallion kept a constant high level when the collection of sperms was performed regularly three times a week. There was no adverse effect on the stallion or on the quantity and quality of the sperms. There is a negative correlation between the volume of semen and the concentration. The total number ejaculated remains relatively constant; the volume of accessory fluids is more variable.

2. The motility of horse spermatozoa after dilution with eight different kinds of chemical media and stored at different temperatures was studied: Glucose-yolk-phosphate dilutor devised by Lamhert & McKenzie and glucose-yolk-tartrate dilutor devised by the author were found to be the best for the preservation of horse sperms at low temperature. There was not much difference between those diluted samples stored for 24 hr. at 10° C. and those slowly cooled to 1° C. Concentration of the semen by centrifuge is definitely beneficial for the preservation of horse sperms.

3. Pregnancies were obtained by the insemination of sperms centrifuged and kept at 1° C. for 24 hr. The sperms of one stallion can be used for a great number of mares if artificial insemination is practised. The adoption of new techniques for the determination of the time of ovulation and for the induction of ovulation is suggested for successful artificial insemination of mares.

To study the total-life performance of all the 156 sows, they were divided into groups consisting of sows having produced 73 to 77, 78 to 82, 83 to 87, … pigs throughout their breeding life often litters. The frequency distribution, of total number of offspring born, thus obtained is shown in Fig. 2.

1. Experiments are described demonstrating a technique for raising sugar beet seedlings under glass during the winter to provide plants for seed production after transplanting into the field.

2. The use of 24 hr. illumination for this purpose is discussed, and the effect of this illumination in resolving a heterogeneous population is described.

3. The association between the growth habit of the seeding plant and root characters, glomerule yield, weight and size, and the time of anthesis is considered in relation to the recognition of types showing B. maritima and B. vulgaris characteristics.

Two samples of ammoniated sugar-beet pulp and one untreated sample have been examined. One sample was ammoniated at room temperature and an increase of 1·94 % in nitrogen content obtained. The other sample ammoniated at 10 atm. and 80° C. showed an increase of 3·47 % in nitrogen content. The total nitrogen contents were 3·30 and 4·83 % respectively.

The results of digestion trials carried out some years ago in this Institute have led to the belief that at least 6–7 lb. of young, leafy grass is needed to replace 1 lb. of ordinary pig meal in the rations of bacon pigs. More recent farm-scale feeding trials at the Harper Adams Agricultural College have given rise to the conclusion that no more than 1¼ lb. of young grass is required for this purpose when the pigs are receiving, in addition to the grass, a basal allowance of 2½ lb. of balanced meal per head per day.

1. Field tests indicate that sunflower seeds are suitable as a wartime substitute for cereal grains for fowls, and that eggs produced on rations containing these seeds are excellent in both flavour and quality.

2. Digestibility trials indicate that sunflower seeds are a good source of protein and energy.

3. On an energy basis, metabolizable energy determinations indicate that sunflower seeds yield more energy than cereal grains on a weight-for-weight basis, with the exception of yellow maize.

4. Under commercial conditions of management, sunflower seeds appear to be quite palatable to poultry, but not under conditions of individual cage feeding.

Six dairy cows were given daily 2 g. copper sulphate for 10–18 weeks, and the effect on health and copper content of the blood noted. The cows remained in perfect health during this time. The blood copper contents rose to 73% above the initial level in 10 weeks and to 133% after 18 weeks. The highest blood copper recorded was 0·264mg./100ml., which is similar to values recorded for normal oxen.

The amounts of nitrogen and β-carotene have been determined in oat and barley plants at different stages of growth and with and without a late top dressing of nitrogenous fertilizer. The nitrogen decreases steadily until the kernels begin to fill; it is markedly increased throughout by the extra dressing. The β-carotene, which accounts for about 80% of the ‘crude’ carotene in the oven-dried material, continues to fall until it reaches very low values when the crop is ripe. There is a very close correlation between total nitrogen and carotene in the plant.