S16 PRODUCTIVE FARMING 



feed, the best ways of feeding these (Figs. 210 and 211), 

 the needs of each class of animals, and a study of individual 

 differences between animals of the same kind. 



Digestibility. — There are several factors which influence 

 the digestibihty of feeds. (1) The less fiber present the 

 easier they are to digest. (2) Concentrated feeds digest 

 more perfectly than others. (3) Soft seed coats allow seeds 

 to digest better than those with hard shells, if swallowed 

 whole. (4) Digestion is aided by the grinding and crushing 

 of feeds. (5) The early cutting of fodder and hay will aid. 

 (6) If well cured and stored the feeds are more completely 

 digested. (7) The kind or breed of animal using the feed has 

 an influence. (8) Likewise the individuality and age of the 

 animal have their influence. 



Fig. 211. — Outdoor feed -racks used for feeding flocks on the range. 



Relation of Feed to Purpose. — ^We have already learned 

 that we must feed not only to maintain the weight and heat 

 of the animal, but also to produce certain animal products 

 or work. There are many kinds of products. The kind 

 and amount of feed must be suited to the special purpose. 

 The feeds must be rich in protein when the products 

 desired contain much protein. Milk, eggs, lean meat, and 

 wool are such products. The animal cannot produce anything 

 containing protein without the use of protein in the feed. 



When the purposes are to build up fat or merely to 

 maintain the body heat and weight, very little protein is 

 required in the feed. If too much protein is fed to an 



