GRAINS AND SEEDS 



161 



% 



higher feeding value than white corn, or vice versa. How- 

 ever, as a matter of fact, there is no difference in either 

 the chemical composition or the feeding 

 value of white and yellow corn. 



The average chemical composition of corn 

 is as follows : water, 10.6 per cent; ash, 1.5 

 per cent ; crude protein, 10.3 per cent ; crude 

 fiber, 2.2 per cent; nitrogen-free extract, 

 70.4 per cent; and fat, 5.0 per cent. Its 

 net energy value in 88.8 therms per 100 

 pounds. As shown by its chemical compo- 

 sition and energy value, corn is preeminently 

 a fattening feed. In this respect it is with- 

 out a rival. It is relatively high in starch 

 and fat, medium in crude protein, and quite 

 low in ash. Furthermore, as has been men- 

 tioned already, the principal protein of corn 

 is not satisfactory for growth. Hence corn 

 should be fed to 

 young animals, breed- 

 ing animals, and milk 

 cows in moderation, 

 and it should be sup- 

 plemented by feeds rich enough in 

 protein and mineral matter to make 

 up the deficiencies in these nutrients. 

 Corn is a very palatable feed, owing 

 to its high content of fat and its crisp, 

 flinty nature. As a matter of fact it 

 is the most palatable of all the cereals. 



Corn may be fed in various ways. It is fed as ear corn, 



Fig. 29. — An 

 ear of flint corn. 

 (Livingston, Field 

 Crop Production.) 



Fig. 30. — Cross-section 

 of a kernel of flint corn. 

 (Livingston, Field Crop 

 Production.) 



