FEEDING YOUNG ANIMALS 



127 



From this comparison we note the large amount 

 of dry matter and protein in the first milk as against 

 ordinary milk. With both kinds there is almost 

 perfect digestibility. The proportion of the protein 

 or tissue formers to the fat or heat producers is 

 much higher in colostrum than in ordinary milk, and 

 in each more than in most vegetable and commer- 

 cial foods. The nutritive ratio of colostrum is in the 

 proportion of one of protein to six-tenths of fat and 

 sugar, and of ordinary milk of one of protein to 3.7 

 of fat and sugar. This difference indicates the rapid 

 change that takes place in the milk soon after the birth 

 of the offspring. The protein diminishes, while both 

 the fat and the sugar increase. 



Ration Should Be Changed as Age Advances. As 

 young animals grow older and consequently enlarge 

 in size they call for increasing amounts of the heat 

 and fat-producing elements. This is illustrated in 

 the table below, and is based on 1,000 pounds live 

 weight: 



FOOD REQUIREMENTS OF GROWING CALVES 



This table shows the alterations in the rations of 

 a growing calf from shortly after birth up to a period 

 of a year or a year and a half. As the calf grows 



