RIGHT FEEDING 



33 



farmer is supposed to know; but how often is there one who has had a 

 bad year with his crops? His hay has been hauled in before an expected 

 storm when it was but half cured, and stowed away in the barn to 

 become mow-burnt and musty; or his oats may have turned out to be 

 about all beards and but little kernel. It would pay him better to throw 

 such hay out and buy from his more fortunate neighbors; but does he 

 do it? Not once in twenty cases, but while he knows that it is not good, 

 he goes ahead and feeds it, believing that he is economizing when he is 

 certainly inviting trouble and loss. The food should be most thoroughly 

 inspected. 



BRAN Here is a feed not generally understood, so that farmers some- 

 times misuse it. This is the husk or skin of the wheat grains. 

 The outer part acts as a laxative, and this power is increased by warming 

 see page 15 for directions for Bran Mash. Bran fed dry will counteract the 

 bad effect of too much physic. It is good to soften water that is hard, 

 or to purify water that is suspected. Just stir in a few handfuls. As a 

 corrective for animals it stands at the head of all feeds, when given not 

 too often and at the temperature of the body. It is especially good for 

 all animals burdened with young, also excellent for milk cows. It is good 

 to combine with corn or similar fattening feeds, as it is a bone and muscle 

 maker, without being a fattener. It has a good deal of bulk for a con- 

 centrate, so must be used accordingly. 



Bran is especially useful to aid digestion of starchy foods. It contains 

 the mysterious substance called diastase, a digestive ferment which converts 

 starch into sugar. 



Rape 

 LINSEED MEAL 



Sand Vetch 



Linseed meal is another mill product. Use only a 

 little at a time, because it is rich in crude protein, 

 and also is somewhat laxative. It helps to give that good pliable feel to 

 the hide, and the glistening coat that speaks so well for general condition. 

 A little is better than much, for instance: 



