DOMESTIC ANIMALS 243 



Balanced and Unbalanced Rations. Practical tests show that 

 animals generally thrive better when the ration is properly bal- 

 anced. A balanced ration is more economical for the farmer as 

 well as better for the animal; there is always waste in an un- 

 balanced one. If, for instance, an animal be fed a ration too high 

 in carbohydrates and too low in protein, it will consume more 

 carbohydrates than it needs in order to obtain enough protein. 



Sometimes special conditions, such as the feed on hand and mar- 

 ket values, make it necessary or desirable for the farmer to feed 

 an unbalanced ration. This should, however, be guarded against 

 as far as possible. It is often cheaper to sell some feeds and buy 

 others than to feed unbalanced rations. Many farmers feed 

 carbonaceous foods, especially corn, in wasteful excess ; it would 

 be better to sell a part of the corn and purchase some 

 feed richer in protein, such as linseed meal. At less cost 

 animals would thrive better. Hogs fed entirely on corn meal 

 sometimes lose the use of their legs for want of bone-forming food. 



Food. The amount and kind of food to be given differ accord- 

 ing to the purpose of feeding. Usually, food is given to animals 

 not merely to keep them alive but to supply energy for work, to 

 make them grow, to fatten them for food or market, to provide 

 products such as milk and eggs. 



Rules for Feeding. Here are some rules which practical farm- 

 ers find it profitable to follow. 



First: Animals should be fed as much as they will eat with 

 relish and without waste, and digest well. This gives best re- 

 turns in growth, fat, and products. 'Stinted animals are usually 

 stunted ones.' Overfeeding is injurious as well as wasteful. Too 

 much unripe grain, green rape, cowpeas, clover, or alfalfa may 

 cause sickness or death. 



Second : Animals should be fed a balanced ration in order to 



