HYGIENIC CONDITIONS. O 



of the proteid substances of the organism and may result in a 

 dropsical transformation of. the cellular tissues. 



The most advantageous condition for the utilization of the Variable ration, 

 nutritious elements of a forage is realized when one gives to 

 cattle an average ration. Too small a quantity of these ele- 

 ments has the effect of diminishing the accumulated reserve in 

 the organism. In cases of excess they are eliminated and are 

 found in the excrements. 



When one has in view the fattening of live stock it is im- 

 portant not to lose sight of the fact that the animals under con- 

 sideration should first of all be in a condition favorable for the 

 repeated assimilation of albumin and fatty substances and their 

 subsequent deposit in the form of flesh, muscle and fat. It is 

 for this reason that it is desirable under all circumstances that 

 cattle to be subsequently fed upon a ration of any kind should 

 undergo a sort of preliminary diet leading up to the standard 

 ration that they are ultimately to receive. This should, in 

 most cases, continue for a period of weeks before the standard 

 fattening substances are given in which the proportion of nitro- 

 genous to non-nitrogenous elements is superior to that which 

 the actual feeding in view demands. The substances to be 

 given in a fodder should be taken according to their prices upon 

 the local market; but under all circumstances one should make 

 allowance for the composition of the product used, as otherwise 

 the result obtained would not be compatible with the resulting 

 money returns from such feeding. Upon general principles it is 

 recommended that the feeding begin with a smaller quantity of 

 the fodder than one wishes the animal subsequently to eat; this 

 to be in excess of what it has hitherto been accustomed to re- 

 ceive. A too frequent change in the composition of a ration has 

 certainly a very deleterious effect upon animals in general. 



It is above all very important that the hygienic conditions Hygienic condi- 

 should not be overlooked and that these be adapted to the tions. 

 animals fed. The temperature of the stable should be main- 

 tained at 12 to 20 degrees C. (53.6 to 68 R). It is, further- 

 more, essential to see that the order of the meals, three at lesst 

 per diem, shall be the most desirable, as far as the general health 

 of the animal is concerned,. 



