VEGETABLES 199 



Potatoes, when available, can be used in the feeding of poultry. 

 They are best cooked and mixed with wheat bran. On farms the 

 small potatoes which are unmarketable can be economically used. 

 Care should be used to regulate the amount, as their extended 

 use is apt to make the poultry lose their appetite, become dopy 

 and out of condition. Good potatoes bring more for market than 

 when fed. 



Beets, containing more water than most root crops, constitute 

 one of the most valuable feeds which can be given for succulence. 

 Mangel beets are easy to cultivate and harvest. They give a 

 large yield of dry matter on a small area. The sugar beet, named 



FIG. 117. Mangel-wurzel beets at harvest time. The tops are cut green and fed immedi- 

 ately; the roots are pulled and, after curing a few days, are stored for winter feeding. 



because it has a higher sugar content, will give about the same 

 yield as the mangel, but will require double the labor in harvesting. 

 Every poultry farmer should attempt to grow beets, store them, 

 and thus insure a palatable, succulent winter feed. 



Other Root Crops. In addition to the potato and beet, other 

 root crops can be used for poultry feeding, but it is doubtful if 

 any of them other than beets can be economically grown for that 

 purpose. Carrots, parsnips, turnips, rutabagas, and artichokes 

 have all been used, when available, with success. All root crops, 

 if grown for winter feeding, should be stored in a dry, well-venti- 

 lated cellar or pit, and the temperature should be maintained 

 just above the freezing point. Roots can be fed either whole or 

 ground. 



