MASSACHUSETTS ANIMAL INDUSTRY 



155 



of corn and 1.7 pounds of oats while doing tlieir work. These aiuounts 

 seemed to us quite small, and practical experiments with our own horses, as 

 well as comparisons with generally accepted standards, confirmed this con- 

 clusion. 



As a result of our digestion and energy study, as well as of practical feed- 

 ing trials, we have concluded that a combination of alfalfa, corn and oats in 

 the prftportions indicated above, known as the Kansas ration, proved superior 

 to a combination of Timothy, com, oats, bran and dried brewers' grains but 

 that the amount of the Kansas ration fed per 1000 pounds live weight should 

 be at least 20 per cent more than recommended by the original experimenters. 

 The Kansas station emphasized the fact that alfalfa, when cut in full bloom 

 and free from mold, smut and excessive dust, is suitable for horses; and that 

 one and one-fifth pounds daily per 100 pounds live weight is the maximum 

 amount to be fed to work horses. 



Trials 'Ji'ith the Cereals. 



Experiments were made with whole corn, cornmeal, corn cobs, oats and oat 

 hulls. Their chemical composition and total energy value are stated in the 

 following table. For the sake of comparison the analyses are all stated on a 

 dry matter (water free) basis. 



Chemical Composition 



The cereals have about the same type of chemical composition; that is, 

 they are relatively low in protein and high in carbohydrate or starcliy matter. 

 Oats contain more protein and fat and decidedly more fiber than corn. Corn 

 cobs and oat hulls are quite deficient in protein and fat and are made up 

 largely of fiber and of complex carbohydrates. 



The results given below represent the averages secured with two horses. 



