212 PRINCIPLES OF FARM PRACTICE 



A ration will always contain two parts, a bulky one, called 

 roughage (hay is an example), another much less bulky, 

 called concentrates (grain is an example). The roughage 

 should be weighed separately so as to indicate the bulk neces- 

 sary for one day's feed for one animal. After a little experience 

 it is possible to guess closely enough to the required bulk of 

 roughage without weighing it. The designated amounts of 

 concentrates are weighed out in sufficient quantities to feed 

 all the animals for one week, or perhaps a month, and mixed; 

 the amount to be used for one day's feeding of one animal 

 is then weighed from the mixture. Afterward the daily 

 portion of concentrates may be guessed at with sufficient 

 accuracy for practical purposes. The daily portions of 

 both roughage and concentrates should be weighed from 

 time to time in order to be sure that they are sufficiently 

 accurate. 



The standard is meant for an average animal of its class, 

 but individuals vary somewhat in their feeding requirements. 

 For this reason each animal should be watched closely, as 

 it may be necessary to increase the ration for some and to 

 reduce it for others. The greatest value found in standardiz- 

 ing rations is that it secures the right proportion of feed 

 ingredients and forms a basis for feeding that will require 

 least modification to meet the requirements of individual 

 animals; but nothing can take the place of experience in 

 feeding if results are checked by intelligent observation. 



Care of farm animals. In addition to having a sufficient 

 amount of the right kind of feed, properly balanced, animals 

 should also have good care; this includes regular feeding, 

 access to plenty of water, salting, shelter for protection against 

 cold and wet weather, and kindness in handling them. A 

 careful observation of these demands is not only a humane 



