l6o FEEDING FARM ANIMALS 



questioned that with our feeds and under our work 

 conditions less protein is required than what the 

 Wolff standards set forth. 



Quite recently Kellner, the celebrated German 

 authority, as a result of his experiments, stated that 

 the large quantities of protein called for in the old 

 standards are unnecessary for working animals, there 

 being required only enough for the general main- 

 tenance of the animal machine and to insure the com- 

 plete digestion of the food. To bring this about the 

 nutritive ratio of the ration can range from one 

 pound of protein to eight or even ten of carbohy- 

 drates and fat. 



This view is substantiated by many tests in this 

 country. Hence the conclusion that two pounds of 

 protein will answer the requirements for that nutri- 

 ent for a 1,000 pound horse doing heavy work can 

 be accepted as both conservative and wise because 

 of the less expense at which energy can be obtained. 

 Of course young animals not fully matured will 

 fare much better when rations are prepared contain- 

 ing more protein. In cases like these, and where 

 horses are put to very severe work, the older stand- 

 ard for protein is to be recommended. 



Giving Water. In a state of nature horses feed 

 upon juicy herbage and drink at pleasure only pure 

 water when that is available. No animal is more 

 delicate and fastidious about its drink than the 

 horse, and often these animals will suffer agonies 

 of thirst rather than quench it with impure, stale or 

 tepid water. Water should be given frequently and 

 in small quantities. 



