INSPECTION OF COMMERCIAL FEEDSTUFFS 



29 



What is Scratch Feed? 



Just what grains should be used in the making of an ideal scratch feed or in 

 what proportions they should be present is a matter of diverse opinion. Shortages 

 of certain cereals, principally corn, and a plentiful supply of wheat have made 

 wheat the preponderant cereal grain in scratch feeds during the past season. 



With a view to determining the ingredient content of scratch feeds sold, 19 

 samples officially collected were divided into their component grains. The 

 results indicate that the samples were on the whole as represented. The follow- 

 ing exceptions were noted: one sample contained inferior oats instead of No. 2 

 oats as declared; two samples which declared buckwheat as an ingredient con- 

 tained none; oats were found to be present in one sample where none were de- 

 clared; and sunflower seed declared in. another was not present. The scarcity 

 and high price of sunflower seed should make its absence obvious. One sample 

 contained whole Argentine corn instead of the usual cracked corn. 



The mixing and sampling of scratch feeds present difficulties not common to 

 finely ground meals. Even with the most careful mixing the seeds of different 

 sizes and shapes tend to segregate. While this is not usually apparent to the 

 eye, it does make considerable difference when an attempt is made to determine 

 accurately the percentage by weight of the grains used in the mixture. Two test 

 mixes made in the laboratory of wheat, cracked corn, and oats gave results 

 probably closer to the true content than could be expected of a commercial mix. 

 The first contained by weight: wheat 60%, cracked corn 10%, oats 30%. Act- 

 ually recovered was: wheat 59.5%, corn 10.6%, oats 29.9%. Of the second mix 

 consisting of wheat 20%, cracked corn 60%, oats 20%, the recovery was wheat 

 20.4%, cracked corn 6C.4%, oats 19.2%. It is believed that the results obtained 

 for the commercial mixtures are at least approximate if not accurate. 



The results are reported by number instead of by brand name as, with the 

 fluctuating kinds and amounts of grain available, it is often necessary for the 

 manufacturer to modify his formulas. With a return to normal conditions 

 brands may be expected to be more uniform. 



