FEEDING EQUIPMENT 207 



cost per bird during the year. The labor item is the second 

 greatest item in the cost of production, feed being first. 



Feed Wagons. On large plants where the attendant makes 

 his rounds and must cover considerable distance, it is found very 

 feasible to do the feeding from a wagon constructed for the purpose 

 (Fig. 119). This wagon may contain egg cases for the collection 

 of eggs, and a box or receptacle for the removal of droppings when 

 the houses are cleaned. Such a wagon is also useful for the trans- 

 portation of young stock to and from the range. 



Compounding Rations. By a ration is meant the amount of 

 feed given a bird or flock of birds in a day. It includes the feed 





FIG. 119. The poultry feed wagon is a great labor saver in caring for poultry on 

 the range. (Photo from Cornell University.) 



given both naturally on the range or in the yard and that pro- 

 vided by the feeder. 



In compounding the ration or daily diet for a laying hen, 

 several factors should be carefully considered : Breed, age of birds, 

 housing condition, season, and range. The prices of feed and the 

 amount of labor must be taken into account. Other points are 

 discussed under the headings that follow. 



Sufficient Nutrients. The first requisite in a successful ration 

 is that it contains a sufficient amount of feed adapted to the pur- 

 pose desired. The nourishing parts of feed are called " nutrients "; 

 these are of several kinds: Protein, carbohydrates, and fat. The 

 nutrients in a feed may be expressed either in the amount required 

 per bird or the amount required per 100 pounds in live weight. 

 Owing to the great variation in the weight of the individuals, it 



