16 EXPERIMENT STATION EECORD. 



coefficient of digestibility of protein of beans was found to be 89.8 

 and of the extractives, cellulose, and fat, taken tooether, 73.3 per cent. 



In our experiments with draft horses and saddle horses, we have not 

 replaced more than 1 to 2 kg. of oats l)y an amount of beans supplying 

 an equivalent amount of digestible protein and carbohydrates. It 

 should be said that when beans replace oats there is usuall}^ an excess 

 of protein and a deficiency of car}>ohydrates. This furnishes a reason 

 for the common pi'actice of adding straw or other coarse fodder con- 

 taining little protein to such rations. 



Bye. — The Paris cab companies have always fed some rye, especially 

 when this grain was cheap. We tested it also in experiments with 

 army horses. Rye was substituted for oats, weight for weight, and 

 the amount gradually increased until the horses maintained a constant 

 weight. In tests with draft horses, greater latitude was possible in 

 substituting rye for oats, weight for weight, since the ration is always 

 sufficiently large to cover any discrepancies. The utmost precautions 

 were taken to prevent the introduction of ergotized rye, which, as is 

 well known, may cause serious disturbances. 



The average percentage composition of rye is: Water 14.5, protein 

 9.90, fat 1.29, nitrogen-free extract 70.88, crude tiber 1.38, and ash 

 1.95; the average coefficients of digestibility are: Protein 73.97, fat 

 54.05, and nitrogen-free extract and crude liber together 75 per cent. 



Our experiments with rye have furnished less definite results than 

 with other grains. We believe this is due to the fact that the value 

 of rye is more influenced by the variation in composition of the grain 

 and by individual peculiarities of the subject. In former times the 

 feeders of post horses obtained contradictory results with tliis grain, 

 which they usually attributed to the methods of feeding it. In some 

 countries rye is fed cooked and this method proves entirely satisfactory. 

 It is mixed with oats in the proportion of 1 of rye to 3 of oats, or when 

 cooked, in the proportion of 1 to 3 or 1 to 2 Several j^ears ago we 

 fed rye and oats to the horses of the Compagnie generate des omnibus 

 in the proportion of 1 to 4, with entirely satisfactory results, and with 

 an important saving in cost. 



Wheat. — Experiments were also made in which wheat was substi- 

 tuted for part of the oats in the daily ration of horses. It is well 

 known that such a mixture is fed by horse breeders when unusual 

 service is required of the stallions. In view of the accidents which 

 have been known to follow feeding wheat, we have taken the utmost 

 precautions in our experiments. It may cause an irritation or itching 

 of the skin so that the horses suffer greatly. This is similar to the 

 effect produced by buckwheat. 



A complete surve,y of the subject of substituting other materials 

 for oats in the ration of horses would necessitate the discussion of 

 such concentrated feeds as bran, bade}' meal, carob beans, linseed 

 cake, sesame cake, palm cake, cocoa cake, starch cake, maize cake, 



