82 THE STOCKFEEDER'S COMPANION 



swedes, 89 per cent. ; and turnips, 90 per cent. ; hence 

 they are all very succulent foods. Large roots contain 

 a larger proportion of water than smaller ones. Liberal 

 nitrogenous manuring also increases the proportion 

 of water in roots. 



They are all very poor in protein (less than 

 2 per cent.) and oil (J per cent). Potatoes are fairly 

 rich in carbohydrates (21 per cent.), which is mostly 

 present as starch ; and sugar beet has 20 per cent, 

 largely in the form of sugar ; while the remainder have 

 less than ro per cent. In carrots, mangels, swedes, 

 and turnips the carbohydrates are present largely as 

 sugar, which is easily digestible. The fibre is at the 

 same time low. Potash and soda predominate in the 

 mineral matter, but it is rather poor in lime and 

 phosphoric acid. 



These root crops are bulky foods, hence they are 

 fed more liberally to ruminants. 



The chief characteristics of root crops to the feeder 

 are that they supply a bulky and very succulent food, 

 which has a cooling and laxative effect on farm 

 animals, hence root crops are of immense importance in 

 counteracting the costive tendency of straw crops and 

 some of the concentrated foods. 



Ash Constituents in Feeding Stuffs. 



The ash constituents are usually present in sufficient 

 quantity for the formation of bone and muscle. Those 

 of most concern are phosphoric acid, lime, potash, and 

 soda. 



Oil-cakes and bran are comparatively rich in " phos- 

 phoric acid," while meadow hay is poor. 



Leguminous straws viz., bean, pea, vetch, clover 

 hay as well as leafy produce generally (e.g. y cabbages 





