BUSINESS METHODS IN FEEDING I3I 



basis for the economical practice of stock feeding. 

 While our knowledge of these principles is not per- 

 fect, sufficient information is at hand to give us a 

 pretty clear idea of the food requirements of farm 

 animals. 



It should be understood at the outset that all 

 standards are the result of practical experience and 

 careful observation. Their function is to act as 

 guides and suggestions rather than to serve as rules 

 to be strictly followed regardless of differences in 

 individuals, breeds, food stuffs, climate, care, 

 amount of product, etc. These varying conditions 

 once appreciated, the use of a standard is of great 

 value. 



Strictly speaking, then, a standard should express 

 the proportions of digestible nutrients best adapted 

 to the needs of various animals and to the purposes . 

 for which stock is kept. 



Advantages of a feeding standard from a business 

 standpoint. — The question naturally arises, with so 

 many standards and so many limitations, and with 

 cows, fodders and feeds of all sorts and descriptions, 

 is it wise to attempt to follow a standard in feeding? 

 This question can be answered positively in the af- 

 firmative. By adopting a standard, the dairyman 

 will give closer attention to his cattle, their care and 

 their feeding. Without a standard, there is danger 

 of the dairyman feeding too little or too much, or an 

 unbalanced proportion of nutrients. In the first in- 

 stance the result would be lower production and 

 possibly shrinkage in bodily weight. If the nutri- 

 ents are not in proper proportion the result is 



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