426 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



The actual amount of hay consumed, in each case, was ascer- 

 tained by weighing out daily a liberal supply of it and deducting 

 subsequently the hay left over. The same fodder mixture, as 

 far as quality and quantity are concerned, was also used for 

 some time as daily feed at the close of the experiment. 

 This course was adopted for the purpose of ascertaining the 

 natural shrinkage in daily yield of milk during the time 

 engaged by the experiments (from seven to eight months). It 

 amounted, as may be noticed in the subsequent detailed record, 

 to nearly 50 per cent, of the original yield of milk. 



The above- stated combination of fodder articles was adopted 

 as the basis of our investigation, mainly for the reason that it 

 had been used with satisfactory results in some of our earlier 

 feeding experiments, and not on the assumption of its being the 

 best possible combination of fodder articles for milch cows. 



The value of a fodder for dairy purposes may be stated from 

 two distinctly diflerent standpoints, — namely, with reference to 

 its influence on the temporary yield of milk, and the general 

 condition of the animals which consume it ; and in regard to its 

 lirst cost, i. e,, its phj'siological and commercial value. 



The market price of our fodder articles depends on the 

 supply and demand in the general .market ; its determination is 

 beyond the control of the individual farmer. The market price 

 of hay of the same quality may vary widely in different years 

 and in different localities ; its feeding value remains materially 

 the same, under corresponding circumstances, year after year. 



The market value and actual feeding effect of one and the 

 same article do not necessarily correspond with each other ; in 

 fact, they rarely coincide. 



The market value may be stated for each locality by one 

 definite number. The feeding effect of one and the same sub- 

 stance, simple or compound, varies under different . circum- 

 stances, and depends in a controlling degree on its judicious 

 use. Sugar fed without any suitable admixture has no feeding 

 value ; it is worthless as the sole food of an animal. Properly 

 supplemented, — as, for instance, in the sweet corn, — its nutri- 

 tive value is very great. Bread has a high feeding value for 

 man ; a cat fed exclusively with bread dies, after some weeks, 

 with the symptoms of starvation. 



