108 THE STOCKFEEDER'S COMPANION 



in fibre, and correctly balanced, so far as laxativeness is 

 concerned, have given much better results than their 

 chemical composition would lead one to expect, provided 

 the proportion of albuminoids was not too low. 



In practice, the farmer has to use his judgment and 

 vary the concentrate according to the bulky ration that 

 is available, e.g.) sheep receiving immature roots and 

 hay require a binding concentrate like Bombay cotton 

 cake. The same applies to cows on new grass in spring. 

 On the other hand, a ration for a bullock may be too 

 binding, and in this case a laxative concentrate (linseed 

 cake, etc.) would be necessary. 



It is difficult to over-estimate the value of knowing 

 the percentage of fibre in concentrates when compound- 

 ing rations, seeing that the fibre depreciates the value of 

 the particular concentrate for fattening purposes. The 

 Fertiliser and Feeding Stuffs Act only requires 

 guarantees to be given by the seller for oil and 

 albuminoids. This, however, is very good so far, but 

 the Act would be even more valuable if, in addition, 

 the fibre content had to be included in the guarantee. 

 The farmers would then have the necessary particulars 

 on the invoice for making up rations. 



Palatability. There are some concentrates, e.g. rape 

 cake, which are rich in nutrients, but, on account of their 

 insipid taste or unpleasant aroma, are not relished by 

 stock. The consequence is that the animal does not 

 eat as much as is necessary, say, for rapid fattening, 

 and in fact may not improve in condition at all. 



On the other hand, if the food is attractive in 

 flavour and aroma, the animal devours it with avidity, 

 and consumes, if available, a larger amount of food. 

 At the same time the flow of digestive juices on the 

 food is stimulated to a much larger extent, consequently 



