MISCELLANEOUS' CONCENTRATES 193 



tained and compared with the average composition given for the same 

 feed in Appendix Table I. If the feed is markedly lower in crude pro- 

 tein or fat, or is noticeably higher in crude fiber than there shown, it 

 should be viewed with suspicion. Care should also be taken that the 

 feed is fresh, free from mold and rancidity, and that it corresponds in 

 appearance with the descriptions given in the preceding chapters. In 

 buying commercial mixed feeds the precautions emphasized earlier in 

 this chapter should be heeded. 



V. CONDIMENTAL STOCK FOODS ; MINERAL OR VlTAMINE MIXTURES 



In spite of the advice of the experiment stations to the contrary, 

 American farmers continue to spend millions of dollars for various 

 proprietary articles called " stock foods/' " condition powders," 

 "tonics," etc. 



291. Composition of Stock foods. The better class of stock foods have 

 for their basis such substances as linseed meal or wheat middlings, while 

 the cheaper ones contain ground screenings, low-grade milling offal, the 

 ground bark of trees, etc. To this "filling" is added a small percentage 

 of such materials as common salt, charcoal, copperas, fenugreek, gentian, 

 pepper, epsom salts, etc., with or without turmeric, iron oxid, etc., for 

 coloring. The stockman is told that a tablespoonful of the compound 

 with each feed will cause his stock to grow faster, fatten quicker, give 

 richer milk, etc., etc. Yet this amount will supply only an insignificant 

 part of the dose of these drugs which is prescribed for animals by com- 

 petent veterinarians. 



Tests of many stock foods and tonics by the experiment stations in 

 general show clearly that there is no advantage in their use. Farm 

 animals managed with reasonable care have appetites which do not 

 need stimulating. Sick animals or those out of condition should receive 

 specific treatment rather than be given some cure-all. A good manager 

 of live stock has no use for high-priced stock foods or condition powders, 

 and a poor manager will never have fine stock by employing them. The 

 flattering testimonials which the stock-food companies advertise are ex- 

 plained without granting any special virtue to their "food." The stock 

 foods are usually accompanied by directions which advocate liberal feed- 

 ing and good care for the animals to be fed in order to " secure, the 

 benefits from the tonic." Under this guidance the farmer feeds and 

 cares for his stock better than ever before and secures better results, due 

 not to the stock food but to following the directions which accompanied 

 it. Rather than purchase advice with costly condimental foods the wise 

 feeder will secure it in standard agricultural papers and books, or from 

 the experiment stations and the United States Department of Agri- 

 culture. 



In rare cases some conditioner may be helpful to stimulate the appetite 

 or otherwise improve the general thrift of the animal; A formula 



