630 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE Off. Doc. 



doses of 1 to 2 pounds act as a laxative for the ox, the latter in doses 

 of 1^ pounds as a purgative for the horse. Sulfur, also, in doses 

 of 1 oz. acts as a laxative ; in doses of 3 to 4 oz. the latter acts to stim- 

 ulate the perspiratory glands. 



Gentian is frequently used as a bitter tonic, with decided laxative 

 and stomachic effects; and iron oxid is also employed as a tonic. 



So far as the stomachics are concerned, those of the usual condi- 

 mental foods are often of the least eflQcient character, such as fenu- 

 greek, which is not often included in modern lists of materia medica. 



The quantities of the condimental foods necessary to be fed to give 

 the usual medicinal dose of any one of the medicinal ingredients are 

 very large. Especially should it be urged that a sick animal needs 

 S])ecific treatment for its particular ailment. That beneficial results 

 are sometimes found to attend the use of condimental foods is ad- 

 mitted, but the benefit is gained at an unnecessary cost and is rather 

 accidental than the logical result of a discriminating treatment. 



The increased appetite often observed to follow the use of such 

 foods, might often be secured by any change of diet, especially by 

 the proper use of salt. Mild laxative effects are better secured by 

 green food and a proper use of mashes in the diet. If tonic effects 

 are desired, use the known materials for producing such effects and 

 in the requisite quantities. See that fowls have the necessary access 

 to cracked bone or oyster shells to furnish the egg shell materials. 



In view of their great cost, of their comparatively small direct 

 nutritive value, their lack of indirect nutritive value, their weakness 

 and uncertain fitness as medicinal agents, the use of such commercial 

 mixtures seems entirely unwarranted. 



RELATIVE COST OF FEEDING STUFFS AS SOURCES OF PRO- 

 TEIN. 



In the introductory paragraphs of this bulletin it has been noted 

 that the principal purpose in the introduction of the commercial feed- 

 ing-stuffs upon the farm is to secure an increased proportion of pro- 

 tein in the farm rations. It will be of interest therefore to compare 

 the expenditure required in purchasing some convenient unit quan- 

 tity, say 20 pounds, of this nutrient in the various classes of commer- 

 cial feeds. 



This method of comparison is further justified by reason of the 

 fact that protein is usually the chief variable among the several 

 groups of food constituents present. On the other hand, it would 

 be evidently incorrect to charge the protein with the entire cost of 

 the feeding-stuff, the major portion of which is composed of other 

 materials of some value. 



