868 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



It was found that few of the rice braus were equal to or above the assumed 

 standard, namely, 12.5 per cent protein, 10 per cent fat, not over 10 per cent 

 crude fiber or 9 per cent ash, and showing no rancid odor. Some of the 

 samples of rice polish examined contained grits and hulls. A few samples of 

 wheat bran were found to be adulterated with corn bran, oat hulls, light oats, 

 and weed seeds, and some samples contained screenings. 



Of the molasses feeds, some samples showed poor mechanical mixture, though 

 most of such feeds found in the Louisiana markets are considered to be of good 

 quality. " It is necessary for the manufacturer to dry these feeds sufficiently 

 to prevent decomposition. There were a few shipments where fermentation 

 set in and spoiled the feed." 



Some of the samples of corn chops were adulterated with corn cobs and 

 many of these feeds were composed of very inferior corn. Some samples 

 showed signs of previous fermentation. To determine whether fermentation 

 could be detected by changes in composition a bright sanii)le of corn chops of 

 good quality was analyzed before and after fermentation but no differences 

 were observed which would suffice for the detection of fermentation. 



Considerable variation was noted in the composition of the corn and oat 

 feeds. Some of the brands were fortified with dried brewers' grains, alfalfa, 

 gluten feed, and other substances to increase their protein content. The 

 brewers' grains examined were found to be free from rice hulls, which it is 

 stated some Louisiana feeders believe are present, and were of good quality. 



Molasses and molasses feeds for farm stock, J. B. Lindsey, E. B. Holland, 

 and P. H. Smith (Massachusetts Sta. Bui. 118, pp. 31). — The feeding value and 

 digestibility of molasses are discussed on the basis of work at the Massachu- 

 setts Station and elsewhere. 



For fattening beef cattle the authors believe that some 3 lbs. of molasses per 

 day niay be fed advantageously, especially during the finishing process when 

 the appetite is likely to prove fickle. 



When molasses was tested for horses 2 lots of 2 animals each were used and 

 were fed for 2 periods of 4 weeks each, the rations being reversed during the 

 second period. The grain ration consisted of 7 lbs. per head per day of corn 

 and oats about 2 :1 and the molasses ration of 4 lbs. of molasses and 3 lbs. of 

 the same grain mixture. Both lots were fed 15 to 18 lbs. of hay per head i)er 

 day. On grain and hay there was a total loss of 45 lbs. and on the molasses 

 ration a total gain of 20 lbs. 



" The several horses were in good condition at the beginning of the trial and 

 no particular effect, favorable or otherwise, excepting a logy condition, was no- 

 ticed from the 4 lbs. daily of Porto Rico molasses. The feces maintained their 

 normal condition in all cases. It is evident that the amount of molasses was 

 out of proportion to the amount of grain fed. 



" In spite of the many reports favorable to the use of molasses for horses, 

 the writer is not inclined to recommend to northern farmers its indiscriminate 

 use in place of the cereals and their by-products. As an appetizer and tonic 

 for horses out of condition, as a colic preventive and for improving the pala- 

 tability of rations, 2 to 3 lbs. daily of molasses undoubtedly would prove pro- 

 ductive of satisfactory results." 



Several rations containing molasses are suggested. 



In a test of the value of molasses made with 2 pigs the maximum amount 

 which could be fed with satisfaction was 57 oz. of molasses per head per day 

 with 8 <its. of skim milk and over 40 oz. of hominy meal. After feeding for 

 some 20 weeks the pigs were slaughtered. 



