33 



A feed is valuable as a source of nutrition, only in so far as its 

 various parts can be digested and assimilated. For example, the 

 analyses of 285 samples of cottonseed meal showed an average of 

 45.5 per cent, of protein, of which a cow is capable of digesting 88 

 per cent., equivalent to 40 per cent, of the meal. In like manner the 

 animal can digest 64 per cent, of the 24.3 of starchy matter present, 

 equivalent to 15.6 per cent, of the meal. The digestibility of all the im- 

 portant concentrates has been determined by many carefully con- 

 ducted and oft repeated experiments, and the above table gives a 

 condensed summary of the results. 



The dairyman, in making an intelligent and economical selec- 

 tion of the relatively expensive concentrates, should not only know 

 the amount of protein, fat and carbohydrates which such feeds con- 

 tain, but likewise the percentages actually digestible, and conse- 

 quently available for the production of milk and flesh. In general, 

 it may be said that the cereals and the standard by-products have an 

 even composition and a high digestibility. Feed mixtures of uncer- 

 tain make-up are likely to contain considerable fiber and smaller 

 amounts of digestible matter. 



G. CONCExNTRATED "POINTERS" ON CONCENTRATED 



FEEDS. 



Protein Feeds. 



Cottonseed meal, even at present prices — $30 a ton — is the cheapest 

 form in which protein can be obtained. Two pounds are a safe daily 

 allowance for dairy animals, mixed with some bulky feed, such as 

 bran, malt sprouts or dried molasses-beet-pulp. It is also rich in 

 phosphoric acid (2.50 per cent.) and potash (1.80 per cent.), which 

 means a better quality of manure. 



Li7iseed vieal {^o per cent, digestible protein) acts as a gentle laxa- 

 tive, and is safe for all kinds of stock. It is usually too expensive to 

 be used for ordinary purposes. It is very satisfactory for sheep and 

 growing lambs. Its nutritive value is some 10 per cent, less than 

 cottonseed. The old and new process meals do not vary much in 

 feeding value. 



