37 



In the first case, y^ cent was allowed for a pound of digestible 

 fiber, I cent for a pound of extract matter and 2 j/( cents for a pound 

 of fat. In the second case, no credit was given for these ingredients, 

 because it is argued that the farmer purchases the feeds for the 

 protein contained in them. 



The teaching is the same whichever method is employed, namely, 

 that protein can be piircJiased most ccononiiially in the highest giade 

 of concentrates, and conversely, the lower the percentage of protein 

 the feed contains, the higher its cost a pound.* Therefore, Mr. 

 Dairyman, when you need protein, get it in the most concentrated 

 form — in the cottonseed, linseeds, glutens, distillers' grains and malt 

 sprouts,t — and leave the low grade feeds for your neighbor, who 

 doesn't know or doesn't care anything about the cost of a quart of 

 milk. 



I. SOMETHING ABOUT GRAIN RATIONS. 



Concentrated feeds differ from roughage in two important particu- 

 lars. First, all concentrates contain more true starch and less woody 

 fiber, and consequently are more digestible ; secondly, most of them 

 contain more protein. The object, therefore, of feeding concen- 

 trates is to increase both the total digestible matter and the amount 

 of protein in the daily ration. 



It is better to use two or three grains in making a ration than to 

 feed one concentrate exclusively, and the feeder should aim to pre- 

 pare palatable grain mixtures. Rations should be bulky to avoid 

 digestive disturbances. Many feeders use from one-third to one-half 

 wheat bran in order to obtain the necessary bulk. Distillers' and 

 brewers' dried grains and malt sprouts likewise serve as economical 

 bulky feeds. It is also possible to use corn silage and chopped hay 

 as diluters or distributers of the heavy concentrates. 



If bran is used as a base, a very good type of ration may consist 

 by weight of : 



(i) Yi bran, }^ gluten feed and \ cottonseed meal. 

 (2) Yi bran, Yi cottonseed meal and Yi corn meal. 



* Corn meal, hominy meal and occasionally oats, are economical starchy feeds, but not 

 economical sources of protein. 



t The market cost of these several feeds will determine which is the most economical 

 for you to purchase. See pages 34 and 35 for special remarks on wheat by-products. 



