MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS OF MATTER 341 



the amount of each by its equivalent weight gives the gram 

 equivalents shown in the last two columns, showing that a 

 kilogram of this feed contains 1.300 gram equivalents of excess 

 base. 



The results of a considerable number of computations of this 

 sort by Forbes 2 are contained in Table X of the Appendix, the 

 equivalents of bases and acids being expressed in cubic centi- 

 meters of normal solution. The table shows clearly that some 

 feeding stuffs, like the hays, for example, contain a considerable 

 excess of basic ingredients, while others have an excess of acid- 

 forming elements. The ratio of phosphorus to calcium, too, 

 which is a, special case of the ratio of acids to bases, shows 

 considerable variations. 



432. Significance of acidity in ash. Much stress had been 

 laid on this distinction between feeding stuffs with acid or 



1 Phosphoric acid is regarded as neutralized when two of its hydrogen atoms are 

 replaced by basic elements. 



2 Ohio Expt. Sta., Bui. 255. 



