260 



Agricultural Chemistry. 



of organic matter, notwithstanding the great variations in the 

 quantity of protein supplied. 



In the case of sheep, the fattening process is not greatly unlike 

 that of steers, the increase being, however, somewhat richer in 

 fat. 



It is probable then, that for fattening animals a nutritive ratio 

 somewhat under that recommended by the Wolff standards is not 

 inconsistent with successful feeding. However, if the animal is 

 still growing, then it is apparent that a wide ratio is not con- 



Fattening Pigs on Food Rich and Poor in Protein. 



ducive to best results. From this it follows that the home 

 fodders and grains can furnish the main sources of the nutrients 

 required for fattening purposes. It must always be kept in mind, 

 however, that mere mathematical formulas should not form the 

 basis for calculating supplies for the living organism. The feeder 

 recognizes the value of a little oil meal and middlings in keeping 

 the animal in "condition" for best results, but it is not to be 

 assumed that their entire value lies in their protein content. The 

 economy of a ration may not always depend upon its capacity to 

 form an increase. It may be decidedly to the farmer's advantage 

 to enrich the food with such materials as bran and highly nitro- 



