the basis of our investigation, mainly for the reason, that it had been 

 used with satisfactory results in some of our earlier feeding experi- 

 ments, and not on the assumption of being the best possible combi- 

 nation of fodder rations for milch cows. 



The value of a fodder for dairy purposes may be stated from two 

 distinctly different standpoints : namely with reference to its influence 

 on the temporary yield of milk and the general condition of the 

 animals which consume it ; and in regard to its first cost, i. e., its 

 physiological and its commercial value. 



The judicious selection of ingredients for a suitable and remuner- 

 ative diet for our dairy stock obliges ns to study the value of the 

 fodder articles at our disposal from both standpoints. The chemical 

 analyses of the various articles used in the combination of fodder in 

 our case have been stated in some succeeding pages to show the 

 character and respective quality of the latter. To ascertain the 

 chemical composition of a fodder ration in connection with an other- 

 wise carefully managed feeding experiment, enables us to recognize 

 with more certainty the causes of the varying feeding effect of one 

 and the same fodder article, when fed in different combinations. It 

 furnishes also a most valuable guide in the selection of suitable com- 

 mercial feed stuffs from known sources to supplement economically 

 our home raised fodder crops. Practical experience in feeding 

 stock has so far advanced, that it seems to need no farther argu- 

 ment to accept it as a matter of fact, that the efficiency of a fodder 

 ration in the dairy does not depend on the mere presence of more or 

 less of certain prominent fodder articles, but on the presence of a 

 proper quantity and a certain relative proportion of some prominent 

 constituents of plants, which are known to be essential for a success- 

 ful support of the life and the special functions of the dairy cow. 



Investigations into the relations, which the various prominent 

 constituents of plants bear to the support of animal life, have 

 rendered it advisable to classify' them in this connection into three 

 groups, mineral constituents and nitrogenous and non nitrogenous 

 organic constituents. For details regarding this matter I have to 

 refer to previous publications of the Station, as the Bulletin can 

 only contain a condensed abstract of our work. Numerous and 

 extensive practical feeding experiments with most of our prominent 

 fodder articles in various conditions, and with all kinds of farm live 

 stock, have introduced the practice of reporting together with the 

 analysis of the chemist, the results of careful feeding experiments. 



