MINERALS FOR POULTRY 201 



Lettuce is as desirable a source of succulent feed as cabbage, 

 but, owing to the smaller yield, its poor keeping qualities, and its 

 high market value for human consumption, it is little used for 

 poultry. It is often economical to raise small quantities of lettuce 

 for the feeding of baby chicks, as they relish it and thrive on it. 



Kohl-rabi may be spoken of as a turnip-cabbage. The fleshy 

 stem is used for its succulence. In value it is about equal to turnip, 

 and the keeping qualities are good. 



Rape is used where it is desired to sow the crop broadcast and 

 either allow the birds access to it or harvest it with a scythe. It 

 is very hardy and will grow in the fall as late as cabbage. 



Swiss chard is planted in rows and cultivated, the crop being 

 supplied to the birds at regular intervals. The chard will grow 

 continually after each successive cutting, and one seeding will 

 produce a large amount' of succulent feed in a season. 



Minerals for Poultry. The importance of minerals in poultry 

 rations has been much neglected in the past. Recent experiments 

 tend to show that the character, composition, and source of min- 

 erals or ash in a ration are the determining features as to the effi- 

 ciency of a given ration. 



Dried ground bone, either in the form of bone meal or granu- 

 lated bone, has proved to be a very good source of both protein 

 and phosphate. Samples averaging 25 per cent protein and 24 

 per cent of mineral matter can be purchased so reasonably as to 

 make them, beyond doubt, a very economical source of protein 

 and ash. Birds relish dried bone. It has no laxative properties, 

 and is recommended for the feeding of baby chicks and growing 

 stock. 



Fresh cut bone consists of refuse bone and clippings from 

 butcher-shops. This product when available, ground in especially 

 prepared cutters, is a very good source of protein and mineral 

 matter. The supply is usually limited, and the price rather high. 

 Where a large number of birds are to be fed, it is better to purchase 

 the bones in bulk, and grind them by the use of a power bone 

 cutter on the plant. Fresh bone is not good for growing chicks, 

 but will produce excellent results when fed to laying stock. It is 

 very forcing when fed in large quantities, and it is the best practice 

 to limit it to less than 15 per cent of the chy-mash ration. (See 

 also page 195.) 



Crushed oyster shell is the best source of lime in the ration. 

 Ash from this source is important for the formation of egg shells 



