54 FEEDING WITH SUGAR BEETS, SUGAR, ETC. 



These figures show that the different carbohydrates men- 

 tioned agree almost mathematically. Stohmann admits that 

 the thermogenic values " of one kilo of albumin, fat and starch 

 are represented by 5715, 9431 and 4116 calories." It is evident 

 that the dynamic and thermogenic equivalents are different. 



The factor 2.44 as admitted between fat and starch is too 

 high. One gram of organic substances of vegetable origin, such 

 as rye bread, represents 3960 calories. While fats and carbo- 

 hydrates have important functions to fulfill in the production 

 of power, the protein elements undergoing decomposition in the 

 body are compared by Voit to a constant flow of water, the 

 amount escaping through the mill-race being perfectly inde- 

 pendent of the energy obtained. Other experiments appear to 

 show that the decomposition of protein means an absorption of 

 water, and the ultimate splitting up of the protein molecules 

 means the formation of urea and fat. 



Considerable albumin in the fodder helps without doubt in 

 the production of muscular energy; when work is continued 

 for a long period the nutritive ratio must be more contracted 

 than when at rest. While indirectly the decomposition of 

 protein in the body may be considered as a source of power, it 

 must not be forgotten that the decomposition continues even 

 during sleep. 



An abundant supply of nutritive substances is not alone 

 sufficient to produce work ; the body of the animal fed must be 

 in a good healthy condition, otherwise there is only a partial 

 assimilation. A w r eak animal with a poor muscular organism 

 would give very poor work, even when well fed, as compared 

 to one whose muscles are in prime condition. In fact, there 

 is very much less oxygen stored up. 



In this question of the production of work it must not be 

 forgotten that the muscles cannot and do not work properly if 

 the gases evolved and wastes are not constantly removed from 

 the circulation. Gouty and rheumatic tendencies are important 

 examples of muscular activity, due to an unusual deposit of 

 lactic or uric acid. The theory now accepted is that muscular 

 force depends upon the splitting up of some element making 

 up the muscle rather than upon an actual oxidation, thus the de- 



