314 DOMESTIC ANIMALS, DAIRYING, ETC. 



actually a trifle cheaper. The grain portion of the two rations costs 

 as follows: 



It thus appears that a ration made up with the somewhat more 

 expensive cotton-seed meal was actually cheaper because it was pos- 

 sible to use more of the cheap corn meal. The difference, to be sure, 

 is small, yet for 30 cows fed for 200 days, it would amount to $30. 

 Such a difference is only likely to be found, however, when, as was 

 assumed in this instance, some feed low in protein but rich in energy 

 can be had at a relatively cheap rate. In general, it may be said that 

 when there are no very marked differences in the cost of a therm of 

 energy value in the feeding stuffs constituting the bulk of the ration, 

 one of the various high-protein feeds which supplies energy at the 

 lowest cost should ordinarily be used, although it is always wise to 

 check up this point, as in the example just given. 



THE COMPOUNDING OF RATIONS. 



While in the foregoing examples an exact daily ration is com- 

 puted, it would, of course, be utterly impracticable in most cases 

 to weigh out separately each day's ration for each animal. Indi- 

 vidual weighings of feeds at intervals would often yield valuable in- 

 formation and might be profitably undertaken, but for the ordi- 

 nary routine of feeding simpler methods must be used. 



When practicable, the grain feed may be advantageously mixed 

 in advance in the desired proportions in as large quantities as the 

 storage capacity available and the proper preservation of the ma- 

 terials will permit. Where facilities are available, the whole amount 

 of grain required for all the animals may be weighed out daily, or 

 even for each feeding, without much additional labor. In distrib- 

 uting the grain to the individual animals, regard of course should 

 be paid to their productive capacity and their individual peculiari- 

 ties. The ration, as computed, is for the average animal. The skill 

 of the feeder is shown in adapting it in quality and in amount to 

 the individual. Doubtless individual weighings at intervals, as al- 

 ready suggested, would be useful as a control on the accuracy of the 

 distribution. 



The weighing of coarse fodder is usually a more difficult prob- 

 lem on account of its bulk. When, however, silage or cut fodder is 

 handled in trucks, the matter is still comparatively simple. Long 

 fodder, on the contrary, is not readily weighed. Nevertheless, even 

 here an occasional weighing, if practicable, as a control upon the 

 feeding, is very desirable. 



In all these and similar matters common sense is necessary. 

 The computed ration expresses the best estimate that can be made 



