It would help, sir, when I talk to the camp admins if I clearly understand the purpose you have in mind in launching these experiments so that I can properly convey that purpose to them. Also, knowing exactly what you are trying to determine helps us ascertain what data to record.

Is it purely budgetary, because you wish to save as much money as possible? Are you only focusing on costs, and therefore willing to absolutely ignore the offsetting profit of work output? That might not be quite as useful a picture, for future budgetary calculations.

Is your interest more a matter of scientific curiosity, i.e., how long animals can live without food? I would have thought there were plenty of scientific studies already published which would provide such information to your satisfaction. Are there behavioural changes that you wish to have observed, or is your only interest in the speed of rising illness? Or even the death rate? (Again, we may get more resistance from those with work quotas to fill, if you simply wish to test how long it takes to starve animals to death).

Would appreciate any guidance you can give. Thank you.