THE PEEDINd AND CARE OF BULLS II5 



of protein called for in the food. The rations given to 

 mature bulls will vary with variations in the production 

 of foods. When supplying these the following consider- 

 ations should not be disregarded: (i) The food should 

 contain more protein than would be suitable for animals 

 that are being fattened. (2) It should be fed, as far 

 as this may be practicable, in the bulky rather than in 

 the concentrated form. (3) It should be possessed of 

 more or less succulence. 



That protein rather than carbohydrates is wanted in 

 the food is evidenced in the fact, first, that the former is 

 more favorable to the maintenance of begetting power; 

 and, second, that an excess of carbohydrates encourages 

 fat formation to the extent of generating a sluggish con- 

 dition of the body organs, especiall_y in the absence of 

 enforced exercise. Food should be fed in the bulky form 

 as far as may be practicable, first, on the ground of 

 cheapness, and, second, to avoid overtaxing the diges- 

 tive organs, and thus prematurely weakening them, a 

 result which is quite liable to follow the continuous 

 feeding of large quantities of grain. Succulence is neces- 

 sary to keep the digestion in tone and to maintain that 

 sappy condition of the system which favors successful 

 generation. 



The following may be looked upon as a standard 

 ration for mature bulls in winter: Some leguminous 

 fodder, as clover or alfalfa, fed once a day. some car- 

 bonaceous fodder as corn fodder, sorghum fodder, native 

 hay, or oat straw, also fed once a day. AVhen roots 

 are not to be had, the meal ration may be composed 

 of corn meal, ground oats, bran, and oilcake, in the pro- 

 portions of 3, 3, 3, and I by weight. Usually not more 

 than 4 to 6 pounds daily should be fed. When well- 

 matured corn ensilage furnishes the succulence, corn 

 meal should be excluded from the ration. When field 

 roots furnish the succulence the oilcake may be excluded. 

 Corn ensilage should be fed in moderation, not exceed- 



