40 



In using the above table to plan a dietary we must first decide as to 

 the proportions that should exist between the various columns, and 

 especially as to the proper nutritive ratio between the albuminoids and 

 the combined groups of carbo-hydrates and fats and oils. We need 

 not trouble ourselves much about water, or husk and fibre, except in so 

 far as, being valueless in themselves, they affect the real cost of the food; 

 and, although we must see that there are salts enough, we can' easily 

 add them where deficient; this is especially necessary for young and 

 growing stock. It is generally held that to maintain animal life the pro- 

 portion should not be less than 1:5. Some authorities consider, more 

 specifically, that there should be about albuminoids, 18; fats and oils, 

 7; carbo-hydrates, 75; which works out the same ratio almost exactly, 

 experts differing little in detail. 



A similar ratio may be adopted for poultry, but before deciding 

 finally there are two points to consider firstly, exercise : Cattle lead 

 a very indolent life, as do the majority of men in a less degree. Fowls 

 live a decidedly active life, and it is universally agreed that an active life 

 requires a greater proportion of albuminoids. Still, we shall be quite 

 safe in reckoning 1 : 4J as a proper ratio in general weathers, and in 

 winter the same quantity of albuminoids, but an increase of carbo- 

 hydrates, or, still better, of fats and oils, so as to make the ratio 1 : 5, 

 in order to meet the demand on the system during cold weather. Such 

 ratios, as far as the fowls or animals themselves are concerned, should 

 be sufficient, but we have further to consider the daily product of the stock, 

 such as milk or eggs. 



Milk contains so much fat and sugar that its own ratio is 1:3 or 

 1 : 3J, so that additional food of the ordinary 1 : 5 ratio with sufficient 

 succulent material to supply fluid may fairly suffice. Eggs, on the other 

 hand, contain as much albuminoids as fat, and to produce an ounce 

 (excluding water) of such rich material is no light task. Hence the need 

 of special food for laying-hens. Such a bird craves for albuminous 

 food, and every breeder knows that while laying she will often devour 

 with eagerness those giant earthworms which when not laying she gene- 

 rally refuses. She must get albumen if she is to continue laying eggs, 

 and if the poultryman is alive to his interests he will see that it is pro- 

 vided by a properly " balanced " ration. 



FATTENING FOWLS. 



Fast them from twelve to twenty-four hours, and then feed them 

 three times a day on soft food, consisting of pollard, oatmeal, barley- 

 meal, or maizemeal, mixed with milk, to which add some rendered fat 

 1 Ib. for every fifty fowls. The fattening process will occupy from ten to 

 twenty days. Change their food when they seem to go off it. Give boiled 

 grain, grit, and fresh water. 



When a large number of birds are to be fattened for the market a 

 cramming-machine should be used for the purpose. 



Market the birds when they are between three and five months old. 

 You cannot hope to make a profit on birds sold for the table if you keep 

 them nine or ten months. 



To get size in the young stock separate the sexes as early as one can 

 be distinguished from the other. A good plan is to put those intended for 

 table purposes out in colonies of twenty-five each in movable houses until 

 they are ready to be brought in for the fattening process. 



Birds kept in confinement, and fed from a trougn with fattening 

 food will increase from 10 oz. to 15 oz. in a fortnight; if crammed 

 they will put on 5 oz. to 6 oz. more weight. 



