VEGETABLE FOODS. 175 



proteid. Nitrate of potassium, nitric and oxalic acids, magnesia and 

 other alkalies are constituents of beets, and will often explain the pur- 

 gative action exerted by many forms of beets. As regards digestibility 

 Wolff has found that the ruminants digest of sugar-beets — proteids 62.0 

 carbo-hydrates 95.2 per cent. ; of fodder-beets— proteids 15.6, carbo- 

 hydrates 95.3 per cent. 



These experiments would seem to show that sugar-beets are less 

 digestible, — .a state of affairs which hardly seems probable, On account 

 of the large percentage of water beets contain they can only be used as a 

 fodder with certain restrictions. They are best given in the raw state, 

 chopped up into pieces, although the chopping must not be too fine ; other- 

 wise mastication and thorough mixing with the saliva will be, to a large 

 extent, prevented. They are especially suited for milk cattle, combined 

 with dry foods, twenty-five kilogrammes being given daily, and will serve 

 to improve the amount and quality of the butter and milk. 



Sugar-beets cannot be given in as large an amount as fodder-beets, 

 on account of their higher percentage of nutritive principles. For young 

 cattle, as well as sheep, on account of their large percentage of water, 

 but small amounts may be given. Thus, one-third to one-half of the total 

 food for these animals may consist of chopped-up raw beets. For hogs 

 the beets may serve as the principal food, especially when given boiled, 

 although here also they may act as a purgative, and it is better that the 

 food should not be more than one-half constituted of the beets. For 

 horses, beets, on account of their high percentage of water, are only 

 exceptionally employed. Beets are best preserved by placing under the 

 ground directly after harvesting, care being taken to select a perfectly- 

 dry localitj\ Beet-top leaves are also very frequently used as fodders. 

 Fresh beet-leaves contain — 



Solids 10.7 per cent. 



Nitrogenous matters, 2.2 



ProteKls, 0.4 " 



Carbo-hydrates, 4.8 



Cellulose, 1.5 " 



Ash, 1.8 " 



On account of the large percentage of water and oxalic acid con- 

 tained within them, beet-tops frequently act as violent purgatives. They 

 are, however, rich in proteids, and are quite as digestible as the best fresh 

 hay, and in their fresh condition are suitable in small amounts for feeding 

 to milk cattle. If, however, they be given in excessive amounts, or con- 

 stitute the sole food of milk cattle, the percentage of fat in the milk 

 undergoes a rapid decrease. Not more than one-third of the total amount 

 of food, therefore, should be constituted of beet-tops. 



4. Grasses.— In addition to the above nutritive substances, domestic 

 animals may be nourished on the various grasses, hays, bran, and straw. 



