28 



BULLETIN 459, U. S. DEPARTMENT OP AGRICULTURE. 



This ration agrees with the computed requirements even better 

 than the previous one, while a simple comparison shows that it is 

 actually a trifle cheaper. The grain portion of the two rations costs 

 as follows : 



Feed in ration. 



First 

 ration. 



Second 

 ration. 





Cents. 

 3.13 

 4.73 



Cents. 

 3.13 









4.20 











Total 



7. 86 



7.33 







It thus appears that the ration made up with the somewhat more 

 expensive cottonseed meal is actually the cheaper. The difference, 

 to be sure, is small, yet for 30 cows fed for 200 days it would amount 

 to $30. Such a difference is only likely to be found, however, when, 

 as was assumed in this instance, some feed very high in protein can 

 be had at a relatively cheap rate. In general, it may be said 

 that when there are no very marked differences in the cost of a therm 

 of energy value in the f eeding stuffs constituting the bulk of the ration 

 one of the various high-protein feeds which supplies energy at the 

 lowest cost should ordinarily be used, although it is always wise to 

 check up this point, as in the example just given. 



THE COMPOUNDING OF RATIONS. 



While in the foregoing examples an exact daily ration is computed, 

 it would, of course, be utterly impracticable in most cases to weigh 

 out separately each day's ration for each animal. Individual weigh- 

 ings of feeds at intervals would often yield valuable information 

 and might be profitably undertaken, but for the ordinary routine 

 of feeding simpler methods must be used. 



When practicable, the grain feed may be advantageously mixed in 

 advance in the desired proportions in as large quantities as the 

 storage capacity available and the proper preservation of the 

 materials will permit. Where facilities are available, the whole 

 amount of grain required for all the animals may be weighed out daily, 

 or even for each feeding, without much additional labor. In distribu- 

 ting the gram to the individual animals, regard of course should 

 be paid to their productive capacity and their individual peculiarities. 

 The ration, as computed, is for the average animal. The skill of 

 the feeder is shown in adapting it in quality and in amount to the 

 individual. Doubtless individual weighings at intervals, as already 

 suggested, would be useful as a control on the accuracy of the 

 distribution. 



