654 GENERAL THERAPEUTIC MEASURES 



machine, in so far do the proteids aid the work of the 

 machine by keeping it in good repair and workiug order. 

 From this point of view the proteids represent the mechan- 

 ism by which the work is done ; the carbohydrates the fuel 

 necessary for its performance. 



The exact relative value of carbohydrates and proteids 

 in the production of the vital forces is still sub judice. 

 Nervous activity is inseparable from muscular activity ; both 

 seem to require a highly nitrogenous regimen, and such a 

 regimen is conducive to both. The classes of food stuffs 

 for the larger animals embrace both green and dry fodder, 

 consisting of the whole plant minus the roots ; parts from 

 which the more valuable portions have been removed, as 

 straw; tubers and roots containing a large percentage of 

 water; the seeds or grains, constituting the most concentrated 

 food ; and the seed coverings or chaff. 



Kefuse and bye-products of manufacture are extensively 

 used, as bran, cottonseed meal, linseed meal, and brewers' 

 grains. In addition, animal matter, as flesh meal, bone 

 meal, and dried blood, are sometimes of value. Pasture 

 grass may be taken as a standard of couiparison for green 

 fodders. In 100 lbs. of grass there are approximately 

 digestible : 



Protein 2.5 lbs. 



Fat 0.5 ♦' 



Carbohydrates 15.0 " 



Green clover contains considerably more, green rye 

 slightly more, and green oats somewhat less protein ; while 

 in green corn fodder there is only about half as much pro- 

 tein. Roots, as compared with green pasture grass, possess 

 only one-third the quantity of protein and solids. Potatoes, 

 however, have double the nutritive value of roots. Com- 

 parison is made in reference to protein, as that is by far the 

 most valuable nutrient, and the amount of carbohydrates 

 and fat do not vary much in similar kinds of fodder. 



JMeadow hay, including such common varieties as timo- 

 thy and red top, may be taken as a standard of comparison 



