FEEDING FOR FLESH 265 



PRINCIPLES INVOLVED IN FEEDING FOR FLESH 



Feeding for flesh, as the term implies, is essentially a 

 fattening process. There are a few definite principles which, 

 if followed, will put considerable fat on the birds in a short 

 time. 



Restriction of Exercise. — The first principle in feeding for 

 flesh is to keep the birds somewhat closely confined either 

 in special coops or small yards. This confinement prevents 

 them from roaming, hence less feed is required for heat and 

 energy. At the same time more of the feed they consume is 

 stored up in their bodies as a reserve feed supply, and this 

 reserve takes the form of fatty tissue. 



Rations Should Be Rich in Carbohydrates and Fat. — 

 Carbohydrates and fat are the two feed nutrients especially 

 utilized in the formation of surplus body fat. Hence rations 

 for fattening should be rather rich in carbohydrates and fat, 

 as compared with nitrogenous feed elements; that is, the 

 rations should be wide. 



Plenty of Protein Needed. — In fattening birds, it is not 

 only desirable that they should put on fat in order to be in 

 the best condition, but they must be plump, and the whole 

 body well covered with flesh or lean meat. Protein is neces- 

 sary to form this flesh; hence the fattening ration should 

 contain some nutritious and easily digested form of nitrogen- 

 ous material. Meat scrap and granulated bone are usually 

 the best. 



Moist Feeding. — Fattening by means of well moistened 

 feed has become very popular. First, because no excessive 

 exercise on the part of the birds is necessary to consume it. 

 Second, the birds relish it and usually eat more if a ration 

 is served in this way. Third, a moist ration is more easily 

 digested because in a fine and soluble condition. 



Plenty of Grit. — Plenty of sharp grit hastens the grinding 

 of the feed material, and also grinds it finer, which makes 



