POULTRY RAISING ON THE FARM 285 



be nearly the same. For example, cottonseed meal contains 

 a large amount of % protein but is digested with difficulty; 

 dry alfalfa feeds also are rich in protein but have so much 

 crude fiber as to impair digestion. 



In practice, proper nutrients are supplied by grains, mash, 

 animal feeds, minerals, succulent feeds, and water. Grains 

 supply energy for activity and heat, fat and material for 

 yolk of egg. When scattered in litter the chickens are induced 

 to take exercise necessary for maintaining health. 



Mash is made by mixing finely ground mill by-products 

 such as bran and shorts or middlings with animal products 

 such as meat scraps. It is easily digested and supplies protein 

 for restoring body tissue and for the white of the egg. The 

 amount of animal feed used in mash may be reduced when 

 sufficient skim milk or buttermilk can be supplied. One hun- 

 dred pounds of milk are equivalent to about seven pounds of 

 50 per cent meat scraps. 



Some mineral substance rich in lime and phosphates is needed 

 to furnish material for bone development in growing chicks 

 and for formation of shell of the egg. Grit has no direct 

 nutritive value but is necessary to aid the fowls in grinding 

 their feed. Sharp sand or "mica grit" prepared from granite 

 is better than limestone grit which is too soft. 



Succulent feeds are important for their tonic effect and their 

 influence upon the health of fowls. A small pasture of clover 

 or alfalfa will furnish succulent feed except during the colder 

 months of the year when sprouted oats, mangels, or cabbage 

 may be used. 



The following ration for laying hens recommended by 

 Purdue University is a good example of a well-balanced 

 combination of nutrients: 



