T h e Effect of Cottonseed Oil on the Hatchability of Eggs*

STUDIES by various investigators have weeks prior to starting the experimental shown that cottonseed meal may re- rations. The birds were confined through-place part of the animal protein in rations out the experiment and fed all-mash rations for laying hens, but few results of its effect with oyster shells ad libitum. The various upon hatchability of eggs are available, oils, oil fractions, or other additions to the Ahrens (1917) found that eggs produced ration were made weekly. The stock supply on a ration containing 6 percent cottonseed of these materials was stored at 30°F. A meal hatched as well as, or better than, eggs fresh supply of crude cottonseed oil was produced on a ration containing meal scrap, obtained from the press at the beginning but on a ration containing 20 percent cot- of each experiment. Additions to the control tonseed meal hatchability was reduced, ration replaced a like quantity of the ra-Berry (1930) found that a ration contain- tion. When cottonseed meal was used it ing 15 percent cottonseed meal gave a 30 replaced all of the meat scraps in the ration, percent reduction in hatchability as com- Mineral supplements were used with the pared with a tankage ration. In this experi- cottonseed meal to provide similar amounts ment the hens were on alfalfa range. Kemp- of calcium and phosphorus as in the contro