132 DAIRY FARMING 



protein are fed. In formulating a ration the roughage is 

 the first consideration, since the character of this portion 

 largely determines the kind of grain to be fed. The cheapest 

 source of protein is generally leguminous hay, such as clover, 

 alfalfa, or cowpea. If an abundance of any one of these 

 can be grown, the problem of making an economical ration 

 is greatly simplified. If alfalfa hay is fed, it is not necessary 

 to use concentrates that are rich in proteins. If mixed 

 hay and corn silage are used, at least one-third of the grain 

 should be rich in protein. 



122. Succulent Feed. In order to obtain the best re- 

 sults it is necessary to have a portion of the ration of a suc- 

 culent character. This term is applied to feeds that contain 

 much water, such as green grass, corn silage, roots, and 

 cabbage. Such feeds seem to have a value outside of the 

 actual nutrients they contain on account of the favorable 

 effect upon the digestion of the animal. In the corn-belt, 

 corn silage furnishes the cheapest and best succulent feed 

 for winter. In other sections, especially north of the corn- 

 belt, the growing of root crops is generally practicable. They 

 supply this desirable element of the ration in an entirely 

 satisfactory form. 



123. Palatability of the Ration. An animal will give better 

 results if it relishes its ration. Sometimes even if a feed 

 containing enough nutrients is offered, a sufficient amount 

 is not eaten on account of a lack of palatability. Hay and 

 other coarse feeds show the most variation in this respect, 

 depending upon time of cutting and manner of curing. It 

 is advisable to have the grain composed of a mixture of two 

 kinds or more as this increases palatability. A ration for 

 very high-producing cows should be a mixture of five or 

 six feedstuff s. Succulent feeds are always palatable and 



