5 



experiments were not at linnd. Additional funds for this purpose were 

 ftt lenpjtli secured, and in 1880 the experiinonts were uj^iiin taken up. 



The I't'sults of M years of expciiinontiii^i' at tlic station leave no room 

 for doubt that in the process of llesii formation a hi^^hiy digestible cel- 

 lulose is not essentially different in its action from the easily soluble 

 carbohydrates. The results of more recent experiments, extending 

 over a shorter period, indicate further that in the layinff on of fat 

 digestible cellulose is very little, if at all, inferior in its action to other 

 carbohydrates. 



To recapitulate, the work of the experiment station at Weende- 

 Gottinjjen has been prin(;ipally in three directions: First, the over- 

 throwingf of the theory of hay- values, the setting? up in its jdace of a 

 theory based on chemical composition, and the working out of the 

 Weende methods of analysis. Second, the recognition of the fact that 

 to give these analyses their full value, they must be accompanied by 

 coefficients of digestibility based on trials with animals. The first 

 experinients of importance in this direction were made at Weende. 

 The digestibility was determined for numerous coarse and concen- 

 trated feeding stuffs, and the influence of concentrated feeds rich and 

 ]H)or in nitrogen, on the digestibility, was studied. The study of digest- 

 ibility and depression in digestibility had its origin at Weende. Third, 

 the study of the laws of flesh (lean) and fat formation in herbivora, 

 showing tliese laws to be in all particulars the same as those laid down 

 by other investigators for carni^'orous aiiimals. 



The capabilities of the station as now equipped are stated by the 

 present director, Prof. Franz Lehmann, as follows: 



"We are now able by the use of an apparatus of inestimable value, 

 to determine within a few grams the amount of fat daily stored in the 

 body by sheep, ajid the storage of protein perhaps even more accurately. 

 We are therefore in a position to take up and answer numerous ques- 

 tions relating to the feeding of animals." 



The work of the immediate future, as outlined by him, is to be of a 

 practical nature. Attention will be given to such questions as that of 

 the advisability of fee<ling a ration richer in nitrogen than the normal 

 ration usually accepted. 



Years have been spent in preparation for the practical work which it 

 is now proposed to undertake, and it is confidently believed by the direc- 

 tor that investigations with the respiration apparatus will lead to 

 methods of feeding which will render it possible to "produce at will 

 more lean meat and less fat, and cheaper and better meat." 



