COMMON POULTRY FEEDS 231 



fat in the rations, for they contain 20 per cent of fat (Fig. 

 129) . The advantage of feeds rich in fat is that they hasten 

 the molt. The feathers seem to come out more quickly, 

 and more quickly look sleek. The use of fatty feeds during 

 July and August is especially recommended. Sunflower 

 seeds contain: Dry matter 92 per cent, protein 16, carbo- 

 hydrates 22, fat 20. 



FEEDS CONTAININQ ASH 



The ash in poultry feeds promotes the growth of the bony 

 frame of the bird. When fed to hens it goes to form the egg 

 shell. Sometimes the presence of phosphoric acid in the 

 ration materially increases the digestibility of other feeds. 



There are two types of ash, one from a vegetable source 

 and the other from a mineral one. Wheat bran is a good 

 example of vegetable ash. Bran contains 5 per cent of ash 

 which is found in the outer shell. 



Mineral ash is best obtained from dried bone. This prod- 

 uct contains about 50 per cent of lime, and from 2.5 to 40 

 per cent of phosphoric acid. Dried bone is excellent feed 

 for young growing chicks, and can profitably be given to 

 the extent of 10 per cent in the dry mash ration. Green 

 bone is not recommended; as a rule, it is impossible to secure 

 a good supply, and the labor required to prepare it is con- 

 siderable. 



Oyster shell is fed to adult birds to form the shell of the 

 egg; it contains 95 per cent carbonate of lime. 



FEEDS CONTAINING WATER 



Since the bird's body and the substance of the egg must 

 both contain a high percentage of water, considerable water 

 is necessary in the ration. This can be supplied to the birds 

 in two ways; first, by giving them plenty of fresh water to 

 drink, secondly, by giving them succulent feed. Succulent 

 feed is feed which contains the juices originally present in 



