CATTLE PRODUCTION 29 



Crude Fiber. The woody portion of feeds having a low nutritive value. 

 Farm grown grains of good quality range in fiber from 2 percent for corn 

 to approximately 11 percent for oats. Wheat bran of good quality averages 

 about 10. percent fiber, although it is most often guaranteed at 11 or 12 per- 

 cent. As a rule it is not good economy to buy concentrated feeds containing 

 more than 12 to 14 percent crude fiber unless there is some compensating 

 factor like high protein content or a price per ton that warrants their sub- 

 stitution for other more expensive feeds. 



Protein. The portion of feeding stuffs which contains nitrogen. The 

 whites of eggs and the casein or cheese part of milk are good examples. Feed 

 containing a high protein content are frequently spoken of as nitrogenous 

 feeds. Oil meal is a good example. Protein is used in the animal body essen- 

 tially for the production of muscular tissue, tendons, hide, hair and the casein 

 or cheese part of the milk. 



Carbohydrates. The elements of feed rich in carbon and containing 

 oxygen and hydrogen. They do not contain nitrogen. Sugar and starch are 

 good examples. Carbohydrates and fat serve the purpose of 'supplying the 

 animal body with heat, energy for work, material for the repair of the body 

 tissues, the formation of body fat and the fat in milk. Feeds containing a 

 high percent of carbohydrates and a comparatively low percent of protein 

 are frequently called carbonaceous feeds. Corn is a good example. 



Fat. The oil of feeds. Fat serves the same purpose as carbohydrates 

 and is 2.25 times as valuable. 



BUYING FEEDS FOR DAIRY RATIONS. 



The greatest opportunity to profit in buying feeds is : 



To learn to know the quality and values of different kinds of feeds for 

 milk production. 



To know where, when and how feeds may be secured at the most reason- 

 able prices. 



To co-operate with other dairymen in buying feed in large quantities. 



To have a suitable place for storing purchased feeds where their cleanli- 

 ness and palatability will not be lessened by rats, mice and dampness. 



DESCRIPTION AND DEFINITION OF CONCENTRATED FEEDS. 



A brief description of the concentrated feeds commonly used in mixtures 

 for dairy cattle in the Northwest will be helpful in selecting and utilizing them. 



Corn. Corn in the form of meal or chops regardless of its being dent, 

 flint or of various colors, is valuable as part of a dairy ration. It is palatable 

 and one of the best sources of energy. On account of its low protein contents 

 and heavy nature, it is best to feed it in combination with feeds of bulkier 

 and comparatively heavier protein contents. Commercial corn meal, corn 

 chop and corn feed 'meal may be considered equal in feeding value. 



