FEEDS FOE THE DAIRY COW 269 



of concentrates and roughages, but in an unbalanced ration. This 

 shows the folly of expecting profitable production from such un- 

 balanced combinations of feed, even tho they may be palatable. 



Corn is commonly ground for dairy cows, but sometimes ear or 

 shock corn is fed. When other bulky concentrates are not furnished 

 it may be advisable to feed corn in the form of corn-and-cob-meal. 



Hominy feed. — This by-product, quite similar to corn in composi- 

 tion, compares favorably with it in feeding value. Like corn, it 

 should be supplemented by feeds rich in protein. 



Oats. — This grain, which supplies somewhat more protein than 

 does corn or wheat, is an excellent feed for the dairy cow, but, owing 

 to their high price, it is usually not economical to use any large 

 amount of oats. The various concentrate by-products are generally 

 cheaper sources of crude protein, while corn furnishes carbohydrates 

 at less expense. 



Barley, wheat, rye, emmer. — Barley is quite widely fed to dairy 

 cows in Europe, and has a reputation for producing milk and butter 

 of excellent quality. Judging from trials with other animals, barley 

 is slightly lower in value per pound than corn. Wheat, which is 

 usually too high priced for feeding except when of poor quality, 

 has about the same value for cows as corn. Large allowances of 

 rye produce a hard, dry butter, but 2 to 3 lbs. per head daily mixed 

 with other feeds has given good results. Emmer is about 13 per 

 ct. less valuable than corn or barley for dairy cows. All these small 

 grains should be ground, or, preferably, rolled. 



Kafir, milo, and sorghum. — These grains are of great importance 

 to dairymen in the semi-arid Southwest, being the cheapest concen- 

 trates available. Meal from the sweet sorghums is only 10 to 15 

 per et. less valuable than corn, and kafir and milo probably approach 

 corn even more closely in value. 



Dried beet pulp. — On account of its slightly laxative and cooling 

 effect, this bulky, carbonaceous concentrate has become popular with 

 dairymen, especially for cows on forced test. It is about equal to 

 corn in value. Where silage is not available, dried beet pulp, mois- 

 tened before feeding, as it should always be when fed in large amount, 

 is a satisfactory, tho usually an expensive, substitute. 



II. Protein-Rich Concentrates 



Wheat bran. — This palatable, bulky concentrate is one of the most 

 esteemed feeds for the dairy cow, since it is fairly high in crude pro- 

 tein, rich in phosphorus, and has a beneficial laxative effect on the 

 digestive tract. Owing to its popularity, bran is often high in price, 



