162 POULTRY BREEDING 
feed was used. The objection we have to this ration is 
that it contains no hard grain, and its continued use 
leaves the digestive organs nothing with which to main- 
tain a healthful condition, as a fowl needs hard feed so as 
to keep the gizzard in good condition. We would say 
that this mixture should be alternated with grain once a 
day. 
FEEDS, INTERCHANGEABLE.—It is the consen- 
sus of opinion among investigators that the several 
grains used in feeding poultry may be interchanged with- 
out making a material difference in results. This is true 
so far as using wheat, barley and oats are concerned. 
These grains may be interchanged if necessary, as they 
do not vary widely in composition. While they do not 
altogether take the place of each other it is sometimes 
better economy to sacrifice something in one direction if 
by doing so we may make a commensurate gain in an- 
other. Thus corn may be scarce and high-priced in one 
place and wheat low in price. In such cases it would be 
more economical to feed wheat than corn. In like man- 
ner Kaffir-corn may be substituted for the more common 
sor*, or used in the place of wheat or oats, although either 
wheat or oats is better for laying hens than Kaffir-corn. 
The poultryman must use his own judgment in such 
things, for no set rule will apply alike in every place and 
under all conditions. 
Buckwheat makes a very good substitute for corn. but 
should not be made the sole grain feed, as it is too fatten- 
ing. This is true of corn also. 
FEEDS, NUTRITIVE VALUE.—\The ‘nutritive value 
of feeds can be determined by analysis. Three principal 
nutritive elements are considered in detérmining the 
value of a given feed—protein, carbohydrates and fat. 
