28 BULLETIN 459, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 
This ration agrees with the computed requirements even better 
than the previous one, while a simple comparison shows that it is 
actually a trifle cheaper. The grain portion of the two rations costs 
as follows: 
First Second 
Feed in ration. ration. ration. 
Cents. Cents. 
ase ley 
Cormumnea ls wes: Se Sok de nse one ws LGR ee ee ee eee 3 
HIT ON INCA ee os oe oe Se a ae et Sno 2 Oe ee eee 4:73 |) ee 
CoptonseedimNeal. 22k 2-2 Se Pac. Sle ee Se ee ae 4.20 
It thus appears that the ration made up with the somewhat more 
expensive cottonseed meal is actually the cheaper. The difference, 
to be sure, is small, yet for 30 cows fed for 200 days it would amount 
to $30. Such a difference is only likely to be found, however, when, 
as was assumed in this instance, some feed very high in protein can 
be had at a relatively cheap rate. In general, it may be said 
that when there are no very marked differences in the cost of a therm 
of energy value in the feeding stuffs constituting the bulk of the ration 
one of the various high-protem feeds which supplies energy at the 
lowest cost should ordinarily be used, although it is always wise to 
check up this point, as in the example just given. 
THE COMPOUNDING OF RATIONS. 
While in the foregoing examples an exact daily ration is computed, 
it would, of course, be utterly impracticable in most cases to weigh 
out separately each day’s ration for each animal. Individuel weigh- 
ings of feeds at intervals would often yield valuable information 
and might be profitably undertaken, but for the ordinary routine 
of feeding simpler methods must be used. 
When practicable, the grain feed may be advantageously mixed in 
advance in the desired proportions in as large quantities as the 
storage capacity available and the proper preservation of the 
materials will permit. Where facilities are available, the whole 
amount of grain required for all the animals may be weighed out daily, 
or even for cach feeding, without much additional labor. In distribu- 
ting the grain to the individual animals, regard of course should 
be paid to their productive capacity and their individual peculiarities. 
The ration, as computed, is for the average animal. The skill of 
the feeder is shown in adapting it in quality and in amount to the 
individual. Doubtless individual weighings at intervals, as already 
suggested, would be useful as a control on the accuracy of the 
distribution. 
