The Bulletin. 71 



CLASSES OF FEEDS. 



In the composition of all feeds we find that there are three principal nutri- 

 ents (that which nourishes), varying in proportion. They are: first, protein, 

 characterized by the presence of nitrogen (expensive as in fertilizers) in it 

 and furnishing the material from which the body may grow or repair its 

 tissues; second, carbohydrates (starches and sugars), and third, fats, these 

 latter furnishing the fuel material, but no material for growth or repair. 



In that the amount of protein is variable in the different feeds we divide 

 them into two groups : 



First. Those relatively rich in protein, such as oats, wheat bran, middlings, 

 cotton-seed meal, and clover, cowpeas and vetch hays (alfalfa when available). 



Second. Those relatively poor in protein, such as corn as a grain, stover, 

 dry or as silage, and the grass hays. 



The feeding question, then, is to give these feeds containing "flesh formers" 

 and "fuel materials" in the proportion in which the body uses them, taking 

 into consideration also the palatability and economy of feeds selected. 



CHOOSING A RATION. 



On at least 9 per cent and in some sections perhaps 99 per cent of our farms 

 the ration for the work animal consists of corn and corn fodder, both low in 

 the amount of protein content. The result of such feeding is, even if the horse 

 should maintain his weight, that he has had to eat an excess of the fuel por- 

 tion to obtain suflicient of the flesh-forming portion. Hence, we have not fed 

 economically and have taxed the digestive organs in caring for the portion 

 of feed not used. More often the animal, when put to hard work, does not 

 maintain its weight, and we have either made an unwise choice in selecting 

 the animal, "a hard keeper," we have required too much of him, or have not 

 fed properly, excepting, of course, the condition when suffering from some 

 ailment. 



As has been said before, the essential points to observe in selecting a ration 

 for a work animal are economy, palatability and one containing a suflicient 

 proportion of protein — more than is in the corn plant. 



It would be impossible for us to indicate a ration suitable for all, because 

 of the fluctuating prices of feeds and the individual differences in animals, 

 but we will attempt something a little more definite. 



Remembering that even for the idle horse the proportion of protein in corn 

 alone is a little too low, and much so if the animal has not reached full devel- 

 opment, then the more severe the labor the greater proportion of this element 

 will be required. 



The quantity of feed is also variable, and the feeder must use his eye to 

 feed judiciously, but in round numbers the ration of the average working 

 horse for one day should be about a pound of grain for every 100 pounds of 

 live weight, and as much or more, up to a pound and a half, of long feed for 

 every 100 pounds of live weight. 



Due consideration must be taken of the "easy keeper" and the "hard keeper," 

 as well as the amount of work done. 



If one has nothing but corn as a grain to feed, then fully one-half or more 

 of the forage should consist of clover, cowpea or vetch hay. Or if the legume 

 hays are scarce and some cotton-seed meal with a little bran or oats to make 

 the meal more palatable, can be had, we can balance the ration by substituting 

 two to three pounds per day of the corn with one to one and one-half pounds 

 of cotton-seed meal, using a little bran or oats and deducting a similar quan- 

 tity or little more of the corn. 



SOME DISEASES RESULTING FROM IMPROPER FEEDING. 



The stomach and other digestive organs, requiring a liberal supply of blood 

 to them while digesting a meal, cannot perform their duties as thoroughly 

 when the animal is at work (a large share of blood then being attracted to the 

 limbs) as when at rest. Feed not readily digested by the animal is likely to 



