264 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



where the meal can he had, which is of such a nature that adulteration' 

 may be readily detected. Good gluten feed is compbsed of gluten meal 

 and the finer parts of the corn bran. Its only virtue is in its being more 

 bulky than the meal. The protein content ranges from 23 per cent to 

 as low as 15 per cent, and the cost of protein content is about 5 cents. 



" Cottonseed meal is the cheapest sburce of protein we have offered 

 to us, but unfortunately the feed is one that requires skill to feed it; if 

 not, the results in either the dairy or beef herd is against its use. but 

 the only precaution is in feeding it in small quantities. In the case of 

 feeding in open bunks where cattle are allowed free access to the feed at 

 all times some of them are liable to get more than is gbod for them, and 

 in the dairy herd over feeding often results in abortion, but if fed in 

 moderation it is a valuauble feed and one that I keep in our barn at all 

 times of the year. It is astringent in its effect, so goes well with ensil- 

 age or the soiling crops I have named that are s'omewhat laxative. It 

 causes the butter product of our cows to stand up well in the warm 

 months as it raises the melting point five degrees. This feed carries an 

 liverage of 37 per cent of protein and the protein costs us 3 1-3 cents 

 per pound at the present price of the meal. 



Oil Meal O. P. is a gCod feed for the farmer who does not feed ensil- 

 age, but where ensilage is fed it does not do well, as it is laxative in its 

 nature the same <as is ensilage, the result is the cattle are kept in a 

 state of looseness, not at all pleasant for the attendant. For feeding in 

 connection with dry feeds it is invaluable and should be used by all 

 who do not practice green feeding during the winter months. The pro- 

 tein Content of this feed is 29 per cent and the cost per pound is 5 cents. 

 Bran is a feed that has been at a price for some years that is prohibitive 

 as far as any profit from feeding it goes. I account for this in the fact 

 that it was our first source of protein when the balanced ration was 

 first given to the dairyman, and but few have posted themselves on the 

 new feeds, so continue to buy bran regardless of price asked. The cost 

 of a pound of protein in bran is now 7 cents. 



Oats, the only protein feed the farmer raises as gain, is the dearest 

 sou-rce of protein that I will name. The cost of a pound is 10 3-4 cents, 

 or a price that admits of no profit when we consider it in connection 

 with the cost of protein in some of the feeds above named. 



I have now covered the ground that I wished to, and as the banker 

 would say. will give a reoapitulation from a personal experience of 

 practicing what I preach. My knowledge and practice of feeds and 

 feeding them has enabled me to make dairying and stock raising profit- 

 able enough to rear a family of ten children, educating them at home 

 as far las agricultural knowledge is concerned. They have been taught 

 responsibility, thrift, industry and a love for farm life that does not 

 admit of their ever looking 'on their lot as one of drudgery, as in the 

 case of so many of our farm-re^ared boys and girls. My sons, three of 

 them, have reached manhood with records of good habits, that I am 

 very proud >of. They have never stepped inside of a saloon door, use(i 

 tobacco in any form, or contracted any habits that are calculated to 

 make them spend money foolishly. One of these boys is now a citizen 



