NtTTRITION 267 



products of this combustion are water (H2O) and carbon 

 dioxid (CO2). The disintegration of the carbohydrates in the 

 muscles is bi'ought about by aid of a ferment, so that the atoms 

 of the molecule are separated, making reformation or com- 

 bustion possible. One gram (15 grains) of sugar, when used 

 in the body for the production of heat, will produce 4 calories 

 (a calorie is a heat unit representing the amount of heat re- 

 quired to raise 2.2 pounds of water to 1.8° F.. or 1 kg. of water 

 to 1° C). 



The oxidation or combustive processes are constantly going 

 on in the body of the bird. During rest the combustion is 

 reduced to a minimum, and need only provide heat for the 

 maintenance of the body temperature and for the living proc- 

 esses (the beating of the heart, respiration, and intestinal 

 movement), and during activity for the extra exertion. 



Carbohydrates are often spoken of as a protein saver, be- 

 cause 10 per cent, less protein is required where carbohydrates 

 form part of the ration, therefore the ration must contain its 

 proper amount of carbohydrates. A diet of carbohydrates 

 without protein, however, means starvation. An excessive 

 amount of carbohydrates is stored up in the body as fat. 



The potential energy yielded by protein is equal to that of 

 carbohydrates. In energy 1 gram is capable of producing 

 6.3 foot tons. 



Fats and oils or hydrocarbons, like carbohydrates, are used 

 for oxidation purposes in the body and the production of heat 

 and energy. A surplus is stored up in the body as fat. For 

 the production of heat fat is more valuable than starch or sugar. 

 One gram (15.5 grains) of fat when oxidized produces 9.3 

 calories, or 14.2 foot tons. Therefore, in computing the nutri- 

 tive ratio of a ration the hydrocarbons or fats and oils of the 

 food are multiplied by 2.25, because 1 pound of fat will produce 

 approximately as much heat when utihzed in the body for 

 that purpose as 2.25 pounds carbohydrates. 



There are certain fat reservoirs or depots in the body of the 

 bird. These are found beneath the peritoneum and in the 

 mesentery. These depots are drawn upon in starvation or 

 times when the income of the body is less than the outgo, or, 

 in other words, when the demands of the body are greater than 



