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FEEDING FARM ANIMALS 



*Milk contains not only protein and ash, but fat, 

 sugar and water also. But the protein of milk is in 

 a much larger proportion to the fat than is the case 

 with other food that meets all nutritive requirements 

 at later periods of growth. And at the time of birth 

 this is particularly the case. When a calf, for in- 

 stance, has just been born, the dam for a period of 

 a few days secretes colostrum. This fluid, or first 

 milk, is of a very concentrated description. It is 

 yellow or yellowish in color, is of a viscid nature, 

 possesses a peculiar smell and salty taste. As it is 

 slightly purgative, it acts beneficially on the diges- 

 tive tract, and, if the young is to be started forward 

 favorably, it should not be withheld. 



Colostrum. Compared with ordinary milk, colos- 

 trum is rich in protein and the mineral substances, 

 but relatively lower in milk sugar and fat. In five 

 days to a week after birth the secretion of milk in- 

 creases, and the composition gradually changes from 

 colostrum to ordinary milk. The composition of 

 cow's milk at calving and at a later period shows the 

 higher food value of the first milk. This will be 

 observed below : 



DIGESTIBLE NUTRIENTS OF COW S MILK IN IOO POUNDS 



