MAKUAL OF CATTLE- FEEDING. 167 



tliey occur in fodders, i, e.y associated witli comparatively 

 large quantities of protein, are practically jubt as valuable 

 for the production of ilesli as the latter, since, when feeu- 

 ing-stuits containing them are used, we have essentially 

 the conditions of Weiske's experiments, viz., amides added 

 to a fodder containing considerable true protein, and 

 should expect the same results. The importance of this 

 fact is easily seen. If, for practical purposes, amides aie 

 equivalent to protein, it is unnecessary to consider them 

 separately in the formation of feeding standards, while 

 substitution of a pait of the protein called for by a feed- 

 ing standard by amides will cause no decrease in the nu- 

 tritive value of a ration, so far as the proilmtion of flesh 

 is Goncernedj. ISTone of the experiments yet made touch 

 the question of the elfect of amides on fat production. It 

 may well be the case that they cannot play the important 

 part in this process which the albuminoids appear to, and, 

 on the other hand, it is quite possible that they, like the 

 carbhydrates, may protect the fat of the body from 

 oxidation. 



Speculation in advance of experiment is fruitless ; but, 

 meanwhile, though the study of the nutritive value of 

 these bodies has but just begun, all the results yet reached 

 warn us against hastily declaring them worthless or the 

 results of chemical analysis of feeding-stuffs false and mis- 

 leading. 



§ 8. Effect of Qtjai^tity of Food. 



A Large Amount of Fodder Causes a Relatively 

 Larger Gain. — It is self-evident that a large quantity of 

 fodder of the same composition must cause a greater depo- 

 sition of flesh in the body than a small one ; but the gain 

 is not only absolutely, but relatively greater, as is bho\ui 



