COMPOSITION OF ANIMAL BODIES 367 



mals varies, being greatest in the half-fat steer or ox, and 

 least in the fat pig. In the process of fattening, the per- 

 centage amount of ash is decreased. 



As in the case of the plant, the mineral matter of the 

 animal body must be secured and assimilated in the early 

 stages of growth. Young pigs, or other young animals, 

 fed exclusively on a food which like corn is poor in digesti- 

 ble mineral matter, have bones which are weak and do 

 not furnish a framework strong enough for the perfect 

 development of the body in its last stages of growth. 

 The same elements which are essential for plant growth 

 are also essential for animal growth. 



487. Fat. The per cent, of fat in the carcass of ani- 

 mals ranges from 14 to 45 per cent, of the live weight. 

 The carcasses of fattened steers of good quality consist 

 of about one-third fat ; in moderately fat sheep there is 

 somewhat more, while the 



largest amount is present in 

 the body of the very fat pig, 

 with the very fat sheep as a 

 close competitor. ' ' It is thus 

 seen that animal food of re- 

 puted high quality as sold by 

 the butcher, and to which 

 such a highly nitrogenous 

 character is usually attributed , Fig " ^.-composition of meat, 

 will consist of fat to the extent of one-third to one-half 

 of its total weight." (L,awes & Gilbert.) 



488. Nitrogenous Matter is present to the extent of 

 10 to 1 8 per cent, in the live animal, being least in the very 



