64 



MASS. EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETIN 174. 



One notes wider variations in the digestibility of the different ingredients 

 by the two sheep than are desirable. Thus, there are extremes of from 

 75.41 to 89.32 per cent, in case of the dry matter; 67.20 to 83.63 per cent. 

 in case of the protein; and still wider variations in the fiber. 



The coefficients for the pumpkins minus the seeds and connecting tissue 

 are much higher, and indicate that if the seeds had been removed the 

 animals would have digested practically the entire fruit. 



Careful observations failed to note any whole seeds or large portions 

 of seeds in the faeces. It seems evident that in case of sheep No. 1 the 

 pumpkins must have exerted a favorable influence on the digestibiUty of 

 the hay. 



Zaitschek carried out digestion experiments on the Giant pumpkin with 

 two steers, feeding a combination of hay and pumpkins. His results are 

 tabulated below in addition to our own for comparison. 



In spite of the variations in results secured at this station with sheep, 

 our average results agree surprisingly well with those secured by Zaitschek. 



Applying the digestion coefficients to the composition of the pumpkin 

 in its natural state, we have the following digestible organic nutrients 

 in 2,000 pounds: — 



