FEEDING FOR MILK PRODUCTION 289 



men avoid the feeding it altogether, on account of the 

 erroneous idea that it is not suited to a cow producing milk. 

 Corn may be fed in reasonable quantities to any class of ani- 

 mals on the farm. It is especially palatable for the cow in 

 milk. However, it must not be the exclusive grain ration for 

 good results. The protein content of corn is low, likewise the 

 ash. If combined with corn stover or corn silage for rough- 

 ness, the protein content is entirely too low for a dairy ration. 

 Corn silage and ground corn combined with clover or alfalfa 

 hay and bran, however, makes a good ration for general feed- 

 ing. It should not be used in excess for the growing or preg- 

 nant animal. 



Wheat Bran. Next to corn wheat bran is the most 

 important cow feed of this country. Its great value as a 

 food for growing animals and cows in milk comes from the 

 high ash and protein content. Its light, loose character also 

 makes it a valuable addition to a heavy ration in the way of 

 lightening up the mass so it is easier acted upon by the diges- 

 tive juices. This is of special importance in connection with 

 such feeds as cottonseed meal that have a tendency to form 

 a pasty mass in the stomach which is difficult to digest. 



Wheat middlings or shorts are valuable feeds for the cow, 

 but more like corn meal in composition and properties than 

 like bran. As a rule it is wiser to make use of the bran rather 

 than shorts for the cow in milk. 



Oats and Oat Products. Oats are a splendid feed for 

 cows and growing animals when the cost is not prohibitive. 

 Woll found oats to be about 10 per cent more valuable pound 

 per pound than bran when fed to cows. In general, it may be 

 said that oats are themselves an excellent ration, but do not 

 contain sufficient protein to be as effective in supplying a 



