SECTION XXXIV. 



FEED AND CAEE OF YOUNG FARM ANIMALS. 



Requirements. In supplying the needs of young animals the 

 nutrients should be furnished in such proportions as to produce 

 a strong healthy growth. The ration must furnish nutrients 

 to build up and strengthen the bones; it must supply digesti- 

 ble nutrients so necessary for the rapid formation of body tis- 

 sue. The feeding of the young animal influences to a great ex- 

 tent the efficiency of the animal for its purpose in future life. 

 Many animals are ruined by improper feeding when young. 



Composition of Animal Bodies. In order to understand the re- 

 quirements of young animals let us find out the composition of 

 the bodies of the young and more mature animals. The analyses 

 of the whole body of a calf made by Lawes and Gilbert, and 

 of a steer made by the Maine Experiment Station, show the 

 following composition: 



These analyses correspond to those of young and mature ani- 

 mals of other species. A study of these analyses shows that 

 the young animal body contains more water and a greater pro- 

 portion of protein to fat than that of the more mature animal. 

 Therefore we should aim to furnish nutrients in such propor- 

 tions that will have a narrow nutritive ratio. 



Nature has fortunately provided, in mothers' milk, the food 

 requirements of young animals. We cannot improve upon this 

 food, but it is often profitable and sometimes necessary to wean 

 the animal as early as possible. To accomplish this, substitutes 

 for mothers' milk must be provided to satisfy the nutrients es- 

 sential to good healthy growth. 



i. Feeding the Beef Calf. If the most rapid gain is desired 

 in raising the calf it should be allowed all the mother's milk 



