FEEDSTUFFS 



and variety, that would supply less dry matter and carbo- 

 hydrate and fat, and that would bring down or narrow the 

 nutritive ratio to nearly 1 : 6.2. Such a feed would be 

 what is known as a balanced ration. 



Let us make another trial ration, dropping the clover 

 hay entirely and substituting linseed meal for wheat bran. 



It will at once be noticed that the above proportions 

 satisfy the requirements of the standard ration as to 

 nutritive ratio exactly, and as to the other three require- 

 ments very closely. Theoretically, then, other things 

 being favorable, these quantities of feeds may be used. 

 It is quite possible, however, that the first ration would 

 give as good results as the second in spite of its greater 

 variation from the standard. The linseed meal has a 

 marked effect on the digestive action of the bowels and 

 is used mostly to secure finish in a horse for sale or for the 

 show ring, but not above ten per cent of the total feed. 

 If we take one pound of linseed meal and two pounds of 

 wheat bran instead of the three pounds of the linseed meal, 

 we should have, for most work horses, a better ration, 

 although one not as closely balanced as the one just given. 



268. From the standpoint of bulk, feedstuffs are divided 

 into two classes, roughages and concentrates. By rough- 

 age is meant coarse materials like silage, fodder, and hay. 

 Concentrates contain more nourishment, bulk for bulk. 



