CHAPTER XI. 
FEEDING STUFFS. 
THERE are a large number of feeding stuffs available from 
which the poultryman can make his selection. Almost any 
material used in the feeding of any type of live stock can be given 
to poultry with safety. It is essential at the outset that the poul- 
tryman and the student appreciate the value of the different feed 
materials and their variability. When determining the advantages 
and disadvantages of different feedstuffs, four things should be 
considered: First, the digestibility, as determined by the readi- 
ness with which the birds utilize the nutrients; second, the total 
composition, as determined by chemical analysis; third, their pala- 
tability, which is measured by the ability with which the birds 
relish the feed; and, lastly, the wholesomeness of the materials. 
The object of this chapter is to group all feeds in a systematic 
classification: First, according to whether they are mineral, 
vegetable, or animal, and then according to their usefulness. 
Sources of Nutrients.—All materials fed to poultry may be 
divided into two classes,—organic and inorganic. The inorganic 
or mineral feeds are water, salt, lime, and phosphate. These 
natural substances are found only in limited quantities in vegetable 
feeds, such as grains. 
Water.—As has been stated, water is essential in the ration to 
maintain right conditions in the bird’s body and to supply the 
amount required for the manufacture of eggs, as one dozen eggs 
contain approximately one pint of water. Water is supplied to 
the birds in the following ways: (1) Fresh water to drink, and 
(2) succulent feeds to eat, such as green grass, sprouted oats, beets, 
cabbage, and other vegetables. 
Salt.—Salt is supplied to increase palatability and to aid diges- 
tion by diffusion. It should be supplied when necessary in the 
ration to the extent of not over four ounces to every one hundred 
pounds of dry feed. 
Lime.—The shell of the fresh egg is composed almost entirely 
of lime. Compounds of lime are used in building bone and are 
found to a limited extent in other body tissues. Grains are 
rather deficient in lime, and it is necessary to supply other lime 
if birds are kept in close confinement. The practical sources 
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