440 



Feeds and Feeding. 



the first. Altho all are " balanced " from the theoretical standpoint, 

 the last one is not only the lowest in cost, but if put to the test will 

 probably produce from 20 to 30 per ct. more milk than the first and 

 somewhat more than the second. 



Sample rations for dairy cows based on the previous table and Tables 111 

 and IV of the Appendix. 



In compounding desirable and economical rations for the dairy 

 cow there should first be provided at least two varieties of palatable 

 roughage, one of which is leguminous, such as alfalfa, clover, or 

 cowpea hay, in order to furnish a considerable amount of crude pro- 

 tein and mineral matter. The other, richer in carbohydrates, should 

 if possible be succulent in character. Corn silage and roots serve 

 advantageously, or in their absence dry corn forage, sorghum forage, 

 or similar roughage may be fed. The two classes of roughages com- 

 bined should furnish fully three-fourths of the necessary carbohy- 

 drates and half or more of the crude protein. The ration should 

 then be completed by adding from 6 to 8 Ibs. of concentrates, of two 

 kinds if possible, for variety and palatability. If the ration con- 

 tains corn silage well loaded with ears, or if roots are fed, then the 

 concentrates may be cut to 4 or 5 Ibs. It is never well to entirely 

 eliminate the concentrates from the ration of cows giving a good 

 flow of milk, for a ration composed wholly of roughage will carry so 

 much inert matter that the work of digesting it taxes the animal 

 severely. 



