.12 



Feeds and Feeding. 



The stalk of corn must be strong and sturdy to carry the heavy 

 ear. Hence until the glazing stage there was an increase in fiber 

 which forms the woody plant framework. The nitrogen-free ex- 

 tract increased more than 2 tons between tasseling and ripening. 

 Most of this increase was stored in the kernels as starch. The crude 

 protein and so-called fat increased thruout the whole period under 

 study, most of these nutrients being likewise stored in the corn ker- 

 nels. (211) 



17. Changes in crude protein. — Ladd's study further shows most 

 important and interesting changes in the nitrogenous constituents 

 of the maturing crop, as the following table sets forth : 



During the development of the plants there was a steady forma- 

 tion of the soluble, circulating amids, which in turn were constantly 

 being changed to the more highly organized proteins. As a result 

 there was no increase of the amids after the silking stage, while 

 there was a steady and marked increase in the proteins up to ma- 

 turity. Much of the protein formed was stored in the kernels, espe- 

 cially in and about the germ, to there aid in carrying on the vital 

 functions whenever the grains might find lodgment in the soil and 

 begin growth to form new corn plants. 



18. The nitrogen-free extract. — The development of the principal 

 carbohydrates in this acre of corn is presented in the following 

 table : 



Changes in the glucose, sucrose, and starch of the ripening corn crop. 



