CHAPTER IV 



FOOD 



The food and feeding of animals is a subject of social 

 economy. Feeding in relation to agriculture is a question of 

 paramount importance to the owner and rearer of stock ; to 

 have the best results at the lowest possible cost the feeding 

 of animals must be based on a scientific foundation. The 

 results of practical experience have taught the British 

 farmer and grazier facts connected with feeding, the why 

 and wherefore of which he seldom understands, but which 

 science has no difficulty in explaining. There can be no 

 doubt that if to all interested in the feeding of animals 

 a little scientific instruction on this most important subject 

 were given, much disease and a large annual loss would 

 be saved. 



It has been repeatedly pointed out that the problem of 

 stock-management resolves itself into the question of ' how 

 to feed.' It is not sufficient to know that certain substances 

 possess great nutriment, and that others are practically 

 useless, but it must be known what foods are most suited to 

 the varying conditions of the organism, in what form these 

 should be administered, and to ascertain how the best 

 feeding can be obtained in the most economical manner. 



In considering the feeding of horses, the object aimed at 

 is to obtain the maximum amount of energy at a low cost. 

 With cattle and sheep the question is not one of the pro- 

 duction of energy, but the accumulation of flesh, the growth 

 of wool, and production oE milk for the purpose of human 

 food. 



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