248 



PRODUCTIVE FEEDING OF FARM ANIMALS 



suits, both as regards the milk flow during the balance of the lacta- 

 tion period, the cows and their offspring. The best method of 

 supplying the minerals required is to grow cattle largely on legu- 

 minous roughage or on pastures containing an abundance of 

 legumes, and to feed the milch cows legumes through the entire 

 year, if possible, including the dry period. If legume hay is not 

 available, an allowance of about two ounces of bone flour per head 

 daily, may be given mixed with the grain, or the cows may be given 

 free access to the bone meal. 21 



Rations for Dairy Cows. It is important, in making up 

 rations for dairy cows, as for other classes of farm animals, to see 

 to it that a liberal amount of easily digestible substances is sup- 



FIG. 52. Weighing rations for the dairy herd. The cows receive seven pounds of grain for 

 each pound of butter fat produced. (Wisconsin Station.) 



plied; nearly one-half of the dry matter of the ration should be 

 given in the form of concentrated feeds in case of milch cows, the 

 amount fed being governed primarily by the production of the 

 cows. No moldy or decayed feeds should be fed, and, in the case of 

 wet feeds, particular attention must be given to keeping clean the 

 mangers and the premises about the stable. A variety of feeds is 

 generally fed, often as many as half a dozen different ones, so as to 

 stimulate the appetites of the cows. The modern dairy cow is a 

 product of special-purpose breeding and high feeding, and, unless 

 special pains are taken to cater to her wants, she will not be able to 

 reach and maintain the high standard of production which may be 

 reasonably expected of her (Figs. 53, 54, 55, and 56). 



The following rations for milch cows are given as samples of 

 the system of feeding adapted to the conditions in different sections 

 of our country : 



21 Ohio Bulletins 295, 308, 330; Jr. Biol. Chem: XL (1919), p. 1 and 469. 



