WOLFF'S FOOD STANDARDS 



265 



A calf supported on average cow's milk (see analysis, 

 p. 231) lives on a still narrower albuminoid or nutrient ratio 

 than any stated above, viz., I : 3-93- 1 The ratio widens 

 gradually as the animal under natural conditions grows older, 

 but during the period of fattening a close or narrow ratio is 

 essential to success. It may be seen from Wolffs researches, 

 which have fixed the standard generally accepted in Europe, 

 that there is a definite ratio of albuminoids to starch suitable 

 for each class of animal, although there is a variation in the 

 table of from i :4>7 to i :6-5. Any serious divergence from 

 the foregoing ratios leads to loss of food substance, and in 

 certain cases it involves injury to the animal consuming it. 



Averaging the total figures given in the table, we find 

 a Medium Food should contain approximately on its dry 

 weight : 



Proteid 

 Fat 



Carbohydrate . 

 Non-nutritive matter . 



Per cent. 

 9.40 

 2-15 



55-00 

 33-45 



100-00 



1 This, as well as the ratios in Wolffs table, was arrived at by multiply- 

 ing the fats by 2-4 not by 2-268, the more recently accepted figure. 



