CHAPTER IV 



THE COMPOUNDS OF ANIMAL NUTRITION 



THE animal body consists primarily of elements, 

 but we ordinarily regard it as made up of compounds. 

 These are groups of elements united in such fixed and 

 constant proportions that they have as uniform proper- 

 ties, under given conditions, as the elements themselves. 

 In discussing the composition and uses of cattle foods 

 and the structure, composition and functions of the 

 animal as an organism, we refer chiefly to the com- 

 pounds of carbon rather than to carbon itself. To be 

 sure, the investigator of the problems of nutrition often 

 conducts his researches and formulates his conclusions 

 with reference to the elements, but when the informa- 

 tion he secures reaches the language of practice, we 

 speak of albuminoids, carbohydrates and fats. Com- 

 merce recognizes these compounds also. It is necessary, 

 therefore, for the student of animal nutrition, whether 

 as a scientist or as one who would thoroughly under- 

 stand the art of feeding, to become well informed about 

 those substances that in various proportions form the 

 organized structure of plants, and that furnish not 

 only the energies that are manifested by animal life, 

 but all the materials out of which animal tissues are 

 built. 



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