COMPOSITION OF FEEDING-STUFFS 9 



and phosphoric acid. In addition to the above- 

 mentioned there are many other similar compounds 

 found in animal and vegetable products. The 

 greater portion of the non-protein nitrogenous 

 compounds arise from the decomposition of protein 

 matter in the living plant, particularly in the parts 

 where rapid growth is taking place. Another por- 

 tion of the non-proteins are intermediate products 

 formed in the building up of proteins from simpler 

 substances, for the nitrogenous matter (nitric acid 

 and ammonia) taken in by the roots first forms 

 non-proteins, and these are further elaborated and 

 become proteins. Where bacteria or moulds flourish 

 it is found as a rule that decomposition of proteins 

 is taking place with the formation of non-proteins. 

 The chief points to be noted with regard to the 

 formation and distribution of non-protein sub- 

 stances are : — 



(1) The quicker the rate of growth of a plant, 

 that is, the younger and tenderer it is, the richer it 

 tends to be in non-proteins. In young shoots, 

 meadow grass, germinated seeds, etc., fairly large 

 quantities are to be found. 



(2) The nearer the plant approaches maturation 

 the less does the amount of non-protein nitrogen 

 become. Ripe grain or straw are comparatively 

 poor in non-protein matter. 



(3) The richer the plants, or parts of plants, are 

 in water so much greater is the percentage of 



