INSPECTION OF COMMERCIAL FEEDSTUFFS 



A large shipment of misbranded alfalfa stem meal sent by boat from 

 California was found in storage in Boston. Samples of this were drawn and 

 left with the Federal authorities. Where alfalfa leaf meal is manufactured, 

 the disposal of the stem is a problem which must be met by the manufacturer. 

 This product, after being finely ground, has been finding its way into Mas- 

 sachusetts to a limited extent, both in mixed feeds supposed to contain alfalfa 

 meal and as an ingredient to be used by local manufacturers. Its value is 

 unquestionably inferior to either alfalfa meal or alfalfa leaf meal. 



As a whole, the feed situation was found to be satisfactory. Inferior feeds 

 can be legitimately sold; but with the information carried on the label, the 

 purchaser need not be deceived as to their true content. 



There were no new feeds found. Soy bean oil cake meal is beginning to 

 have a more extended use, particularly in feed mixtures. This product is a 

 valuable addition to our protein concentrates. Alfalfa stem, to which ref- 

 erence has already been made, can simply be considered as a roughage not 

 greatly increased in value by being finely ground. 



Occasionally manufacturers include in their mixtures small amounts of 

 patented preparations supposed to have especial value for their vitamin, 

 yeast or mineral content. If the cost of the feed is materially increased thereby, 

 the purchaser should satisfy himself that he is securing extra value for the 

 additional cost of the product. 



