DIGESTIBILITY 27 



6. The kind of animal. Animals of the same species 

 digest food about equally well, although individuals may 

 vary greatly in this power. Cattle and sheep digest rough- 

 age better than do horses and pigs, because the fermenta- 

 tion which takes place in their paimches breaks down the 

 cellulose structure. The difference is less noticeable when 

 concentrated foods are fed. 



7. Frequency of feeding. The time of watering or the fre- 

 quency and the order of feeding do not seem to affect the di- 

 gestibility, although changes in order and time of feeding and 

 watering may seriously affect the physical condition of the 

 animal and thus lower the final nutritive effect of a ration. 



8. The amount of food given. The amount of food given 

 may affect digestibility. The digestibility has been found 

 to increase on half rations and is probably due to more 

 intense action on the part of the digestive juices. On the 

 other hand, too much food may tax the digestive system, 

 and some of it may pass through unchanged. 



9. The amount of work. Medium work has been found to 

 have a favorable influence upon digestibility, while hard or 

 fast work lowers digestibility. 



10. The age of the animal. After the digestive organs 

 have reached full development and before they become 

 impaired by old age, the power to digest food is greatest. 

 Aside from this, age does not seem to influence digestibility. 



1 1 . The breed. One breed of animal digests food as well 

 as another, although individuals may vary in this respect. 



12. The value of kindness. Harsh treatment may in- 

 fluence digestibility by interfering with a normal secretion 

 of digestive fluids. 



The Preservation and Preparation of Feeding Stuffs. — 

 In localities where feeding stuffs must be kept from one 



