and bloody eggs cause quite a distinct loss in the course of a year. Table 18 shows the number of such eggs found in candling during each month and the total for the year. As might be expected, the total number and also the per cent of such unmarketable eggs was greatest during, and in fact just a little in advance of, the season of highest egg production. To be sure, the total for the year amounted to but three-fourths of one per cent of all eggs, but from 1000 birds this means a total of 1192 eggs or very nearly 100 dozen. At the average price of 54.8 cents a dozen this means a net loss of $65.32 during the year. This is only one of the many relatively small factors of loss which are often overlooked in discussions of cost and profit. WEIGHT AND VALUE OF EGGS. In Table 19 are shown the number of birds in each of the principal breeds, together with the average yearly yield per bird, the total number of eggs produced by all birds in each breed, with their total value and the average value per dozen. As in previous years Wyandottes secured the highest figure for average value of eggs per dozen. It should be borne in mind that a part of this higher value is probably fictitious, owing to the fact that Wyandottes as a breed lay a larger proportion of small sized eggs, which nust be sold at a lower price per dozen. It is only when we assume that all eggs are sold at the same price in any month provided they exceed the lower limit of weight, which has been set at .08 lb., that the Wyandottes exceed their competitors. The reason for this will be apparent from an inspection of the diagram mentioned in an earlier paragraph. During the months of December, January, September, and October, when prices are relatively high, the Wyandottes have managed to roli up a higher score of total eggs produced than have representatives of the other breeds involved. In another table are indicated the total number of eggs produced each month by the 1000 birds, together with the price per dozen received during that month, and the total value of all eggs produced, assuming that all were marketable. The authors realize that this method of figuring results in a total value of eggs which is probably somewhat higher than would result if all eggs laid were actually marketed at the indicated prices. On the other hand, when one considers the conditions under which a laying contest must be conducted; namely, the fact that all eggs must be handled no less than seven or eight times between the time they are laid and the time they are actually en route for market, it will necessarily be conceded that the breakage which occurs will be considerably greater than would result in handling the same number of eggs under orary commercial conditions. At the same time the writers have no desire to cover up the fact that on any commercial piant there is always a distinct loss arising from the fact that a certain percentage of all eggs laid will be unmarketable, owing to such causes as blood clots, bloody eggs, cracked eggs, undersized and misshapen specimens. It is decidedly interesting to note that the greatest returns were received in the month of August. The further fact that this condition has obtained in each of the competitions conducted at Storrs would seem to be especially significant. The fact that prices are steadily rising during this season would indicate that receipts of eggs at the wholesale markets are normally decreasing. Thus it appears that a poultryman may be able to realize an exceptional profit if he can devise any method which will postpone the normal drop in egg production which his flock may be expected to make until a later season. In a previos report the authors have stated that in their opinion the type of house used in the contest, being high and well ventilated, tends to maintain a fairly comfortable temperature during the hot August nights and has, therefore, been an important factor in securing favorable egg yields at this season. |