394 MANUAL OF CATTLE-FEEBIlim. 



No extended eoBclusions can be drawn from so few ex- 

 periments. The gain of live-weiglit was comparatively slow 

 in all these trials, and the rations were evidently not suffi- 

 cient to cause a rapid fattening. In several cases it will 

 he observed that the gain of fresh flesli is greater than the 

 increase of live- weight. This may indicate a loss of some 

 other substance (probably water) from the body, or may be 

 due to inaccuracies in the determination of the true live- 

 weight. 



In a general way we may state, as the result of these 

 trials, that a slow fattening may be effected hy a ration con- 

 taining per day and 1,000 pounds live- weight 



Digestible protein 1.5-2.0 pounds. 



Digestible carbhydrates and fat 8.0-13.0 *' 



It will be noticed that the quantity of non-nitrogenous 

 nutrients does not vary greatly from that needed for main- 

 tenance, while the amount of protein is considerably 

 greater. "We have here another example of a gain of 

 flesh and fat produced by the addition of protein to a ra- 

 tion poor in that substance. (Compare p. 148 et se(i.) 



Pat from Carbhydrates.— In case a more rapid fat- 

 tening is desired, it is plain that more food nmst be given ; 

 but whether the increase shall consist of protein or of non- 

 nitrogenous nutrients, or both, can be determined at present 

 only by theoretical considerations. 



Here the question of the formation of fat from carbhy- 

 drates conies in. "We have seen that many facts seem to 

 indicate the possibility of such a formation, and the query 

 naturally arises, whether, since the chief object of fatten- 

 ing is a formation of fat, an increase of the carbhydrates 

 and fat of the fodder will not effect the desired object, 



