196 



POULTRY FEEDS 



may be fed to poultry. They are palatable and supply some 

 digestible material. 



Milk. If they can be obtained in sufficient quantities at a 

 price which is not prohibitive, milk and its by-products are very 

 economical feeds. When used in large quantities, they furnish 

 protein in an easily digested form. One undesirable feature is the 

 increased labor and trouble in feeding them, especially when milk 

 itself in the natural state is used. 



Skim milk is probably more often used in the neighborhood 

 of large creameries or skimming stations than any other of the milk 

 products. This material will supply concentrated protein in the 

 ration when wet mashes are mixed with it. If desired it may also 

 be given in the drinking fountains in place of water. Birds con- 

 sume large quantities with very beneficial effects. It is used in 

 commercial fattening of poultry, the wet mashes being moistened 

 with it. Reports show that the feeding of buttermilk or sour skim 

 milk to baby chicks is good practice, as the lactic acid present 

 reduces the danger of infection and the spread of white diarrhoea. 



TABLE VIII. Composition of Animal Feeds. 



(Total ingredients are given, regardless of their digestibility.) 



Whey. This by-product of cheese making should be used when 

 it can be obtained. It does not have the nutrients which the butter- 

 milk and skim milk contain, but it is relished by the birds. 



