CATTLE FOODS NATURAL PRODUCTS 241 



tion of seeds, especially those of our cereal grains, includ- 

 ing barley, maize, oats, rice, rye, and wheat. Other 

 seeds, such as buckwheat, cottonseed, flaxseed, beans, 

 and peas, also contribute an important addition to our 

 animal feeding-stuffs. In all these species there is de- 

 posited in the seed coats and either around the chit or 

 embryo or in the seed leaves of the embryo, a store of 

 protein, starch, and oil, the purpose of which is to supply 

 materials for growth during germination. This deposit 

 of plant compounds represents the highest type of vege- 

 table food, whether we consider concentration, palatable- 

 ness, or nutritive efficiency. Besides, it is in such form 

 that with ordinary precautions it is capable of indefinite 

 preservation, without loss. 



329. Storage of grain. It often occurs that when 

 newly-harvested grain is stored in bulk it heats and 

 grows "musty." This condition is due to fermentations 

 that are made possible by the high water-content of the 

 fresh grain and which involve a loss of dry substance. It 

 is very desirable that grain shall be thoroughly dried 

 before threshing, and it is generally desirable to secure 

 additional drying after threshing before storing it in 

 large bins. 



The agricultural value of the cereal grains is much 

 enhanced by their adaptability to a great range of soil 

 and climatic conditions. They are the American farmer's 

 great reliance for the production of the highest class of 

 cattle foods. Maize, especially, is grown from Maine to 

 Florida and from the Atlantic to the Pacific. These 

 crops are useful, not only for their seeds but as fodder 

 plants. For soiling purposes, as well as a source of dried 

 forage they are highly important. 



