184 FEEDING FARM ANIMALS 



less of digestible protein is recommended, and many 

 American investigators hold to the same view. The 

 suggested change in this respect is of no great con- 

 sequence, even though the maximum amount of 

 protein is generously supplied. If legumes and pas- 

 tures enter into the rations, an oversupply of digesti- 

 ble protein is easily possible, but it should be re- 

 membered that when so nourished the cows give 

 forth their best production. If protein has a stimu- 

 lating effect on the mammary glands, as many hold, 

 a generous supply is to be preferred to even a slight 

 deficiency. 



FEEDING DAIRY COWS IN WINTER 



Nature of 'the Food. The kind of food for feed- 

 ing cows in milk will, of course, be much governed 

 by the production in any given locality. The aim 

 will be to feed approximately a balanced ration. On 

 this point divergence of opinion is not great. Where 

 fertility is in equilibrium the aim of the dairyman 

 should be to grow, as far as may be practicable, the 

 food needed on his own farm. He can, of course, 

 grow his own carbohydrates and fat, and more and 

 more the legumes will be introduced into the 

 cropping system on dairy farms. In this way it will 

 be possible to obtain much of the protein at home. 

 The concentrates that will be used will be pur- 

 chased largely because of their strength in protein, 

 and will be bought as balancing materials and not 

 as basic fundamentals of the ration. 



Foods That All May Grow. A few foods may be 

 looked upon as standard in feeding dairy cows. 



