THE FEEDING OF ANIMALS 



55 



nutrients. A 1000-pound cow yielding 22 pounds of milk re- 

 quires 29 pounds of dry-matter, of which at least 16 pounds 

 should be digestible and 2 to 2| 

 pounds should be digestible pro- 

 tein. The ration is calculated 

 simply on the digestible matter 

 and the protein. The other 

 method of computing rations 

 for farm animals is by the use 

 of energy values of the food. 

 In this method one must know 

 the energy values of the vari- 

 ous constituents; also amount 

 of energy required to produce a 

 unit of whatever is wanted. 



In other words, it is essential to know the energy required to 

 produce one pound of beef, pork, mutton, or milk. Knowing 

 the energy of the food and the energy required for produc- 

 tion, the ration is calculated accordingly. 



Using balanced rations. — The nutritive-ratio may vary from 

 the standard without serious results. Milk cows have produced 

 good results on rations with a nutritive-ratio as wide as 1 : 8, and 

 horses have fared well on rations with a wider nutritive-ratio. 

 Much depends on the individuality of the animal, the conditions, 

 and the individuality of the feeder. It must be remembered that 

 no rules can be given that will apply in all cases, and that our 

 feeding-standards are guides and not laws. 



Fio. 28. — Wbydelands "Star- 

 light," Champion Shibe Mare. 



