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 tlie 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 feuch method of comparing values is avail- 

 a;ble, 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 in 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. 



