PEOCESS OF FATTENING. 123 



The Fattening Animal. For the body to increase in 

 weight ifc is clear that the food supplied must be in excess 

 of the quantity demanded for mere renovation of tissue, 

 and for the production of heat and work. When such an 

 excess of food is given, a part of the albuminoids and ash 

 constituents is generally converted into new tissue, while 

 a part of the fat, carbo-hydrates, and albuminoids is stored 

 up in the form of fat. 



As only the excess of the food is converted into increase, 

 liberal feeding is, within certain limits, the most econo- 

 mical. If a lamb can be brought by liberal treatment to 

 150 Ibs. live weight at one year old, the amount of food 

 consumed will be far smaller than if two years are occupied 

 in attaining the same weight, for the food required for 

 animal heat and work during the second year is clearly 

 saved. 



Economy of food is also promoted by diminishing the 

 demand for heat and work. An animal at rest in a stall 

 will increase in weight far more than an animal taking 

 active exercise on the same diet. In the same way the 

 increase from a given weight of food will be less in winter 

 than in spring or autumn, a far larger proportion of the 

 food being consumed for the production of heat when the 

 animal is living in a cold atmosphere. Hence the economy 

 of feeding animals under cover during winter. If, however, 

 the temperature becomes so high as to considerably in- 

 crease the perspiration, waste of food again takes place, 

 heat being consumed in the evaporation of water. The 

 temperature most favourable for animal increase is appa- 

 rently about 60 P Fahr. Quietness, and freedom from 

 excitement, are essential to rapid fattening ; the absence of 

 strong light is therefore desirable. 



