MONEY MODES OF CALCULATION. 



61 



All existing 

 modes of es- 

 timation of 

 value very 

 empirical. 



same kind; they should, within a reasonable extent, differ not 

 only as regards quantity but composition; it must be borne in 

 mind that these differences must be very slight, as they would 

 otherwise be followed by digestive complications. Hence the 

 importance of passing very gradually from stall-feeding to pas- 

 turage. It is important to watch the supply of fodders on 

 hand, and when one is low and a change must be made, arrange 

 to effect the same gradually, at least 8 to 10 days being necessary 

 for these changes of diet. 



Commercial Value of Fodders. 



The Germans employ much technical detail to determine the 

 value of fodders, which in reality is a most simple question, 

 and is governed by the supply and demand. The price of a 

 commodity must necessarily vary with the advantages of its 

 production in the center where it is sold. The writer intended 

 to give an average price of the standard fodders for the United 

 States, but was obliged to abandon the project owing to the 

 great difference in the value of a staple such as hay; it may 

 fluctuate from a few cents per ton to several dollars (15 to 20). 

 The German method consists in accepting hay as a standard 

 and to allow a pro rata value for the digestible elements of 

 which it is composed: knowing the composition of any fodder, 

 its crude protein, fat, etc. , are multiplied by the standard prices 

 and its commercial value is thus obtained. 



One need only make a calculation of this kind and compare 

 the price obtained with the market rates to realize how far such 

 theoretical considerations are from the reality. Another point 

 not to be forgotten is that whatever be the fodder used, it must 

 necessarily contain several elements that are not utilized in the 

 manner that theory supposes, under which circumstances, if we 

 place a money value upon them, we shall pay for an ingredient 

 that is wasted, and this would certainly not be in accordance 

 with the true principles of economy. 



Place a definite price per pound on protein, fat and carbo- Money modes 

 hydrates, the data being based upon the average market price, of calculation - 

 which is about as follows: Protein 1 to 2.5 cents, and carbo- 

 hydrates from 0.5 to 1 cent per pound. The advantage of this 



