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BULLETIN 128. 



fed. Moreover, since the different nutrients are largely to be 

 converted into milk, it is evident also that the quantity which 

 can be advantageously fed must be gauged by the quantity and 

 quality of milk produced. Hence feeders have come to adopt 

 what is known as balanced rations or feeding standards. 



FEEDING STANDARDS. These refer to the amount of digesti- 

 ble nutrients required per 1,000 pounds of live weight in 24 

 hours. They recognize, of course, that the nutrients fed must 

 be in proportion to the quantity and quality of milk yielded. 

 This is shown by the Wolff-Lehman standards presented in the 

 following table : 



TABLE 3. Showing Wolff-Lehman Feeding Standards. 



The standard that has generally been used as a guide by 

 feeders is that for ration No. 3. Researches during recent 

 years have shown, however, that the Wolff-Lehman standard 

 calls for too much protein. These researches make it quite 

 clear that the amount of protein required for 22 pounds of 

 average quality of milk is nearer two pounds than two and a 

 half pounds, and until the matter is definitely settled, it may be 

 well to adopt 2 1-4 pounds of protein as the standard for the 

 milk yield referred to. 



FEEDING STANDARDS AS GUIDES. Standards for balanced 

 rations should always be used with considerable flexibility. 

 They should be looked upon only as guides and as such are 

 exceedingly useful. Every practical feeder knows that the in- 

 fluence of individuality counts for much in the feeding of dairy 

 cattle. A ration that may be satisfactory for one cow may not 

 be suited to another. 



