ANIMAL GROWTH AND NUTRITION. 221 



Digested from One Hundred Parts of following Foods. 



From the above table of amounts digested (for it is only 

 the amounts digested that are given a value in feeding) it is 

 seen that any desired amount of proteine can be supplied 

 with the coarser foods. Thus, if corn-meal given to a calf 

 failed to furnish the desired amount, barley, linseed, or cotton- 

 seed would replace it to advantage. 



Proteine, or albuminoids, finds its distinctive function in 

 construction of muscle (lean meat), tendons, ligaments, and 

 cartilage. No other portions of a food can fill its place, 

 as they are devoid of nitrogen. Proteine forms fat, may 

 support heat in case of necessity, and is assumed by many 

 physiologists to be the source of force. The chief function 

 of carbohydrates is to maintain the heat of the body. This 

 is contended by many, with much show of reason, to be the 

 source of force, and a possible source of fat, and in some 

 animals a certain source of fat. The fats of food have their 

 distinctive field in fat formation, but may be a source of heat, 

 and possibly of force. The minerals, or ash, are the basis of 

 the bony frame-work, aiid have other offices in animal organ- 

 ization. Time will forbid a consideration of this part of the 

 question. I will simply add, that I have found it essential, 

 especially with pigs, to add some source of lime to the food 

 given. 



