On the Fattening of Oxen. 
215 
We liavc shown in the last number of this Journal that, in 
proportion to the weight of the body, oxen have considerably 
more of stomach and contents than sheep, and sheep considerably 
more than pigs, (^n the other hand, pigs have a considerably 
larger proportion of intestines and contents than sheop, and sheep 
more than oxen. But, of stomachs and intestines and their respec- 
tive contents, taken together, oxen have a larger proportion than 
sheep, and sheep a larger proportion than pigs. 
Again, the dry substance of the mixed food of oxen contains 
a larger proportion of woody-fibre than that of sheep, and that of 
sheep consiilerably more than that of pigs. 
The results recorded in the Table are quite in conformity with 
the facts here stated, regarding the comparative structure of the 
different animals, and the comparative character of their respec- 
tive foods. 
Thus, oxen, with the most bulky and, weight for weight, least 
nutritious food, have the largest proportion of stomach, and the 
least of intestinal surface for the absorption of nutritious matter ; 
they give also the least proportion of increase for a given amount 
of dry substance of food. Sheep come next in order to oxen in 
these respects. The dry substance of the food of the pig is, 
in much the largest proportion digestible, and available for assi- 
milation and respiration ; he has much the largest proportion 
of intestinal surface for the absorption of nutritious matter ; 
and he yields much the most increase for a given amount of 
dry substance of food. Calculation further shows that, oxen 
expend in respiration the most, sheep considerably less, and pigs 
much the least, of the dry substance of food in proportion to a 
given amount of fattening increase yielded. 
The general result, stated in figures, is that, 100 lbs. live-weight 
of the fattening ox should yield about 1 lb. of increase per week, 
consuming 12 to 13 lbs. dry substance of food to produce it. 
100 lbs. live-weight of fattening sheep should yield about If lb. 
of increase per week, consuming 15 to 16 lbs. dry substance of 
food. Lastly, 100 lbs. live-weight of the fattening pig should 
yield 5 to 6 lbs. of increase per week, consuming 26 to 28 lbs. 
dry substance of food to produce it. 
To sum up the comparison between fattening oxen, sheep, 
and pigs, when liberally fed under cover, the facts may be briefly 
enumerated as follows : — 
1. In proportion to a given live-weight within a given time, 
sheep will consume about IJ, and pigs about 2^, times as much 
dry substance of their food as oxen. 
2. Oxen should yield per week about 1, sheep about If, and 
pigs 5 to 6 per cent, of their weight, of increase. 
3. To produce 1 lb. of increase, oxen will require 12 to 13 lbs., 
