352 COMPOSITION OF FEEDING STUFFS 
Carbohydrates are similar to starch or sugar in composition. 
It will be noted that they are divided into two classes, fibre and 
nitrogen-free extract. The former represents the woody portion 
of the feed, which is difficult to digest. The nitrogen-free 
extract is the more soluble and easily digested portion of the 
carbohydrates, as starch and! sugar. Carbohydrates, in general, 
are useful in forming fat and keeping up the heat of the body. 
Fat is the oily part of the feed, and its functions are 
similar to those of the carbohydrates. 
It would be extremely valuable to the purchaser of feed- 
stuffs, if there were some exact means of arriving at the actual 
money value of a feed-stuff as compared with other feed-stuffs. 
Unfortunately, no such method of comparing values is avail- 
able, but there are a few general facts, which may be helpful 
in studying the composition of a feed. 
Generally speaking, home grown feeds are inclined to be 
low in protein, but contain an abundance of carbohydrates; 
consequently, a high percentage of protein is always a strong 
recommendation. Other things being satisfactory, we would 
be willing to pay more for a feed-stuff rich in protein in making 
a purchase. 
On the other hand, a high percentage of fibre is always a 
serious objection, especially im feeds for hogs, because hogs 
cannot handle much fibre to advantage. Other things being 
nearly equal, the feed-stuff containing a high percentage of 
fibre is worth less per ton than one lower in fibre, but just how 
much less will depend upon the percentage of other constituents, 
and upon how much it exceeds the other in fibre. 
Of course it stands to reason that a high percentage of 
water necessarily reduces the value per ton of a feed-stuff. 
