1896.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 33. 53 



Part I . 

 («) FODDER ANALYSES. 



We have received and analyzed for farmers during tlie 

 year 49 samples of various grains, by-products and coarse 

 feeds. We publish here only those having any particular 

 interest, or that have more recently appeared in our markets. 

 For analyses of all such feeds see complete table at the end 

 of this report. 



All cattle feeds have been divided into five groups of 

 substances : — 



1. Crude ash means the mineral ingredients contained 

 in the plant or seed, such as lime, potash, soda, magnesia, 

 iron, phosphoric acid, sulphuric acid and silicic acid. The 

 ash serves to build up the bony structure of the animal. 



2. Crude cellulose is the coarse or woody part of the 

 plant ; straws and hays contain large quantities, while in 

 the grains and most l)y-products but little is present. It 

 serves to produce vital energy and fat. 



3. Crude fat includes the fats, waxes, resins, etc. It 

 serves the same purpose as cellulose, but furnishes two and 

 one-half times as much vital energy. 



4. Protein is a general name for all nitrogen-contain- 

 ing bodies found in plants. It might be called "vegetable 

 meat." It is a source of energy, possibly a source of fat, 

 and is the only source of flesh. 



5. Nitrogen-free extract consists of starch, sugars and 

 gums. These substances produce energy and fat. Cellu- 

 lose and extract are termed carbohydrates. 



The grains are valuable chiefly for their extract matter, 

 protein and fat. They contain very little cellulose. The 

 estimation of protein and fat is as a rule all that is necessary 

 to enable one to judge whether or not they are of superior, 

 average or inferior quality. 



Many by-products contain as small amounts of crude cellu- 

 lose as do the grains. Others, such as brans, dried brewers' 

 grains, etc., have from 7 to 12 per cent. 



