THE COST OF THE RATION 



induce larger consumption two conditions always 

 consistent with large production with any class of 

 animals. However, there is much objection to heavy 

 grain feeding, as every practical feeder knows. 

 What profit is there in expending much for grain if 

 the additional production is wholly absorbed in the 

 feed bills? Much has been said and written in re- 

 cent years about the proper proportion of grain to 

 roughage in the feeding ration. In the past, per- 

 haps, the roughage allotment in proportion to the 

 grain was too large, and to-day perhaps it is the 

 reverse. 



Two Rations Compared on Basis of Cost. Some 

 years ago two rations were compared in milk pro- 

 duction at the Ohio station. One consisted largely 

 of a corn-soybean-cowpea silage, and mixed hay; 

 and the other of more than half grain. The first 

 produced 96.7 pounds of milk for each 100 pounds, 

 based on the dry matter contained in it, and the sec- 

 ond 81.3 pounds of milk for each 100 pounds, based 

 on the dry matter in it. In the one, the silage ration, 

 89 per cent was of a roughage nature or farm-raised 

 food, while in the other, 43 per cent, or just about 

 half as much, was farm-raised. The two rations are 

 given in the table on the following page. 



The practical question that arises is this : If both 

 are available today, which would cost the more? 

 That depends on the prices at which each could be 

 purchased; and each and every feeder will need to 

 determine that point for himself. However, let us 

 assume the following as fair prices for the feeds : Corn 

 silage, $2 a ton ; corn stover, $5 ; mixed hay, $12 ; 



