FLESH FORMATION. 



13 



that the protein consumption is less in a fat than in a thin ani- 

 mal. If a ration rich in protein is followed by one poor in pro- 

 tein, during the first few days the nitrogen expelled will be much 

 greater than that furnished, and later the equilibrium establishes 

 itself. The importance of salt in feeding farm animals has 

 already been alluded to in these pages; however, it is important, 

 in a general way, to say that salt, when given in reasonable 

 amounts, will increase the decomposition of albumin of the 

 body by stimulating the circulation, and the volume of urine 

 thrown off is also increased. When the volume of water used 

 is decreased and salt continues to be added to the fodder, the 

 urine decreases, perspiration decreases, and the body can then 

 furnish the deficiency of water and expel the salt in excess; 

 consequently it is important, when using considerable salt, to 

 give at the same time plenty of water, as otherwise the animal 

 will soon lose weight. The normal conditions are soon re-estab- 

 lished when the animal is allowed to drink water in reasonable 

 amounts. A fact not to be overlooked is that an animal should 

 not be allowed, under these circumstances, to drink at liberty, 

 as the protein consumed would be eliminated in abundance. 



In special cases too much fat in fodder will slightly decrease 

 the decomposition of albuminoids, due to the fact that more 

 albumin enters the circulation. 



There are methods for economizing the quantity of albumin 

 so as to obtain the maximum meat production. In Stoh- 

 mann's experiments it was shown that by increasing the digesti- 

 ble elements from 8.9 to 9.7 kilos, while the proportion of 

 digestible albumin and carbohydrates remained constant, the 

 amount of albumin reabsorbed was 32 per cent., while before 

 the change was made it was only 18 per cent, of the total con- 

 tained in the fodder, under which circumstances, when fatten- 

 ing is the object in view, there is a necessity of forcing 

 consumption. 



A certain care is necessary when increasing the amount of 

 protein in a ration, as, if the limit is passed, there may be 

 very little deposited in the tissues and the operation would 

 certainly not be profitable. 



By the addition of sugar in the shape of molasses or beet 



