178 SCIENTIFIC FEEDING OF ANIMALS 



in starch. Large quantities of kainit produce the 

 same effect, whilst 40% potash salts reduce the 

 dry matter very little or not at all. 



There is on all sides a certain dislike to feeding raw- 

 potatoes, due to the fact that they possess a peculiar 

 acrid taste and increase the flow of digestive juices in 

 the stomach and intestines. They are also thought 

 by some to cause colic, purging, distension, lame- 

 ness in young cattle, and abortion in pregnant ones. 

 There is no doubt that when raw potatoes have been 

 fed either for a long time or in large quantities, 

 some of the above-mentioned disturbances have 

 been observed, but if the daily supply is not too 

 large, and some other suitable food is also given, 

 attention being paid to observe any injurious effects, 

 then they may be used. Cattle are the least sensi- 

 tive to raw potatoes, and a fattening ox may be 

 given 50 lbs. per 1000 lbs. live weight, cows in milk 

 25 lbs. per 1000 lbs. live weight, and dry cows in the 

 last stages up to 40 lbs. 



The potatoes must be sliced and added gradually 

 to the daily ration, also when they have to be dis- 

 continued this should be done by degrees. Along 

 with them some soothing food, such as oil cake 

 (linseed, sesame, cocoa-nut), and a good supply of 

 coarse fodder is necessary. Feeding stuffs which 

 have an irritant effect on the digestive organs — 

 rape cake, malt coombs, molasses, silage — should 

 not be fed at the same time. 



