EATIONS. 297 



this point is shown by experiments on the feeding of pigs 

 (i.) with maize meal only, (ii.) with pea meal and maize meal, 

 equal weights, and (iii.) with one-third dried blood and two- 

 thirds maize meal.* Lots (ii.) and (iii.) increased in weight 

 more rapidly, their carcasses contained more blood and lean 

 meat and less water, while their bones were much stronger and 

 left more ash on burning than those of lot (i.). 



In the case of dairy cows the ration certainly ought to vary 

 with the milk-flow. This has been recognised in the standards 

 proposed by Lehmann and by some American investigators. ! 



The table on the following page gives the standard rations 

 for milch cows as suggested by these experimenters. 



In this table no doubt the proper method of altering the 

 rations would be in accordance with the amounts of solids 

 yielded by the milk, i.e., to consider not merely the quantity 

 but also the composition of the milk yielded by the animals. 

 With dairy cows, as a rule, the most vigorous eater is the most 

 profitable animal. 



Another point of some interest is the bulk of the food, 

 especially for ruminating animals. American experiments 

 have shown that while it is possible to successfully feed cows 

 on concentrated foods (maize meal) only, for several months 

 together, during which time chewing the cud entirely ceases, 

 yet with calves, rumination is essential and death ensues if 

 coarse forage be withheld, ]: even though abundance of milk 

 and grain be supplied. 



Quantity of Water consumed in proportion to Dry 

 Food. This varies considerably in different animals and with 

 different conditions. According to Warington the normal 

 amounts are 



For sheep ... ... 2:1 



,, horses ... ... 2 to 3 : 1 



,, cattle ... ... 4:1 



With sheep, when fed on succulent food, no water to drink 

 is as a rule required. In dry climates, however, a sheep will 



* Henry, Reports of Wisconsin Experiment Station 1886-89. 

 t Atwater and Phelps, Rep. of the Storrs Exp. Station 1897. 

 J v. Bulletins of the Utah (No. 46) and Illinois (.21) Expt, Stations. 

 Chemistry of the Farm. 



