CHAPTER XXII 

 COMPUTING THE RATION FOR FARM ANIMALS 



MODERN experiments (principally German) have resulted in formu- 

 lating standard rations for different animals at different ages and under 

 different conditions. These feeding standards are only approximate 

 guides, but they are sufficient for practical purposes. 



Computing by Energy Values 



A method is proposed of calculating feeding requirements, reckoned 

 on the protein and the energy values or therms of chemical energy. 

 A therm is the heat required to raise the temperature of 1,000 kilo- 

 grams of water 1 C. The chemical energy contained in anthracite 

 is 3.583 therms per pound. (A pound of anthracite produces heat 

 enough to raise the temperature of 3.583 kilograms of water 1 C.) 

 In the same way the amount of chemical energy contained in many 

 feeding stuffs has been measured. Following are determinations of 

 chemical energy in 100 pounds (with 15 per cent moisture) : 



THERMS 



Timothy hay 175.1 



Clover hay 173.2 



Oat straw 

 Wheat straw 



171.0 

 171.4 



THERMS 



Corn-meal 170.9 



Oats 180.6 



Wheat bran 175.5 



Linseed-meal . . 196.7 



Maintenance requirements of cattle and horses, per day and head ( Armsby) 



(Production requirements are also determined, and must be used in calculat- 

 ing rations.) 



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