Animal Nutrition. 49 



It follows, therefore, that in some of their functions at least, amides 

 may replace albuminoids. It has been found also by indirect 

 experiments that equally good results have been obtained, where 

 amides have been substituted for part of the albuminoids in the 

 ration for growing animals and milch cows, as were obtained 

 when albuminoids only were fed. In corroboration of the above 

 we have the similar feeding value of corn silage and a correspond- 

 ing quantity of dry fodder corn. (655) Silage often contains 

 nearly half its nitrogen in amide form, while dry fodder corn 

 has not more than from 12 to 15 per cent, of its nitrogen in the 

 form of amides. 



72. Influence of salt on protein consumption. — Experiments by 

 Voit with dogs, and by Weiske with sheep, have shown that a 

 moderate addition of salt to the fodder increases the activity of 

 the secretion of the body juices and their circulation, and con- 

 sequently increases the protein consumption in the body. Salt 

 has a stimulating influence on the appetite of the animal, facili- 

 tates the passage of albuminoids from the digestive canal into the 

 blood, and in general increases the energy of the vital processes. 

 The feeding of salt is therefore especially in place with horses, 

 young animals and milch cows when fed to their full capacity. 



Another effect of salt is to increase the excretion of urine. If 

 after supplying salt the animal is prevented from drinking water, 

 then water which would otherwise pass off through the lungs and 

 skin wUl be diverted to the kidneys, and if the supply from this 

 source is not sufficient, water will further be drawn from the body 

 tissues. The live weight of the animal can therefore shrink 

 rapidly when salt is administered freely and little water is given; 

 afterwards, when water is offered, much will be drank, and this, 

 returned to the digestive tract and tissues, will cause the animal ' 

 to increase rapidly in weight. 



73. Influence of water on protein consumption. — Abnormally 

 large quantities of water cause a waste of nutrients in the bodies 

 of animals through increased protein consumption. Voit has 

 shown an increase in protein consumption of 25 per cent, from 

 this source iu case of a fasting dog, and Henneberg found an 



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