464 



FIELD AXD GARDEN PRODUCTS 



Results of analyses of oats and of oat products, showing the per- 

 centage of water and the number of pound* of ash, protein, etc., in 

 100 pounds of water-free substance, with similar figures for other 

 grains for comparison. 



In above table the chemical composition of oats is shown in 

 comparison with that of wheat, barley, and corn. The figures show 

 that while oats are higher in crude fiber, due to the hull, the grain 

 contains a high proportion of protein and fat, two very valuable 

 constituents. Although practically one-third of the grain is hull, 

 oats contain as much protein as wheat, nearly as much as barley, 

 and more than corn. They are much higher in fat than either bar- 

 ley or wheat and are higher in ash or mineral matter than any of 

 the other grains. As protein is a flesh-forming element and ash is 

 used in the formation of bones, it can readily be seen why oats are 

 so valuable for feeding to young and growing animals. The per- 

 centage of water as given for the different grains is that found in 

 laboratory samples; ordinary commercial samples of all grains 

 usually show a higher moisture content. 



The table also gives the chemical composition of oat hulls and 

 oat kernels and of several products of the oatmeal industry. While 

 these oat feeds are not well known, their high feeding value, as 

 shown, indicates that they should be used wherever they are obtain- 

 able at a reasonable price. There is considerable variation in the 

 composition of different varieties of oats and of different samples of 

 the same variety, largely due to differences in the percentage of hull. 



The analyses of oat straw show that this roughage well deserves 

 its reputation as the best of its class for feeding. In protein and fat 



