Meat Food 



169 



the winter months, and when fowls are confined 

 in comparatively small houses and yards, it will 

 be best to feed meat in some form. "Vegetable 

 foods, even though furnishing equal amounts of 

 all nutrients and in the proportions considered 

 suitable, are shown to be much inferior to animal 

 foods furnishing the same 

 amounts of nutrients and in 

 the same proportions." * 



Fresh bones, which may be 

 obtained from meat markets, 

 if finely cut with bone-cutters 

 (Figs. 53, 54), make one of 

 the best, if not the best, of 

 meat foods for laying hens. 

 This is also excellent for little 

 chickens. Many poultrymen, 

 however, cannot depend upon 

 the local meat markets for 

 their supply, particularly dur- 

 ing the warm weather. After the bones have 

 become tainted they should be rejected as un- 

 fit for poultry food. When fresh bones can- 

 not be obtained, animal meal may be relied on 

 for satisfactory results. Only meal that is guar- 

 anteed wholesome should be procured. A good 

 quality will generally contain about 10 per cent 

 of nitrogen. This meal should be dry enough 



* Eighth Annual Report, Mass. Hatch Experiment Station. 



Fig. 53. A bone-cutter. 



