350 POULTRY PRODUCTION 



Alfalfa and clover are generally considered to furnish the 

 very finest pasturage for fowls. Both are an excellent source 

 of the \itaniins. Cut alfalfa hay that is cured green furnishes 

 an excellent temporary sul)stitute for succulence when 

 steamed. 



Beets (Mangel Wurtzcls) . — Mangel wurtzel beets are among 

 the most convenient forms of succulence for winter feeding, 

 all things considered. They are easily and cheaply raised 

 and are good keepers. They should not be fed in large quan- 

 tities in the early fall, as they have a tendency to cause scours. 

 In the winter they may be fed raw at about the rate of 25 

 pounds per 100 hens per day. A good way to feed them is to 

 split them in halves lengthwise and stick on nails driven in 

 the walls of the pen, about IS inches from the floor, allowing 

 the hens to pick at them. As mangels are practically 90 

 per cent water, they have a low feeding value except as a 

 succulence. Their dry matter, however, contains a large 

 ])ercentage of ash. They are low in vitamins. 



Cabbage. — Cabbage forms an excellent early green feed, but 

 is more difficult to raise, kee]), and has a lower feeding value 

 than either beets or turni])s. It is rich in water soluble B 

 but deficient in the fat soluble. 



Clover. — Simply as succulence, green clover is probably 

 just as desirable as alfalfa, though it does not have cpiite 

 as great feeding value. The neeil of supplying succulence 

 usually arises in the winter, Avhen green clover and alfalfa 

 are not available, ^^'hile they are highly desirable for 

 pasture or for birds that are confined in bare yards, they 

 cannot be considered among the forms of succulence for 

 winter feeding as can cabbage, sprouted oats.andmangel beets. 



Lettuce. — Lettuce is used chiefly to furnish succulence for 

 Krooder chicks in early spring, before other greenness is 

 availal)le, and is among the best plants for this jmrpose. It 

 is a good source of the vitamins. 



Onions. — Onions and onion tops are relished by both 

 chicks and mature stock, and if fed occasionally give a 

 welcome variety to the diet and are said to have a beneficial 

 effect on the digestive system. Sliced onion is particularly 

 valuable in "cheering up" a bunch of brooder chicks that 



