62 Report oF DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY OF THE 
EXPERIMENT TI. 
This was a comparison of the effect of rations differing greatly 
in their phosphorus content, especially in phytin phosphorus. 
THE EXPERIMENTAL ANIMAL. 
The animal (Cow 1) selected for use in our first experiment 
‘was a vigorous grade Holstein. When the experiment began she 
was in fair flesh and about three months advanced in the period 
of lactation. She possessed a vigorous appetite, a characteristic 
which we regarded as essential to the entire consumption of the 
ration containing the washed bran because of its probable lack of 
palatableness. It is a matter for congratulation that the regular 
consumption of the rations was accomplished with a very satis- 
factory degree of success. 
THE MANAGEMENT OF THE EXPERIMENT. 
The animal under observation stood by herself in a warmed 
room especially arranged for experimental work. She was fed 
from a metal-lined box which allowed the attendant to recover 
all uneaten food. The daily ration was given in three equal por- 
tions, morning, noon and night. Water was offered at stated times 
and the animal was weighed at the same hour each day. Two 
men were employed for the collection of the excreta, one during 
the night and the other during the day. The excreta were caught 
in tin vessels, the one used for the urine being so constructed as 
to prevent loss by spattering. There was a loss of urine in but a 
single instance and that was small. The weights of urine and 
feces recorded represent that which was voided during twenty- 
four hours, from 6 o’clock a. m. The animal was milked four 
times a day at as nearly uniform time as practicable, viz., 7 a. m., 
noon, 5 p. m., and midnight. 
THE RATIONS. 
The first matter requiring attention in the experiment was the 
selection or preparation of foods containing small amounts of phos- 
phorus. It was found that rice, wheat gluten and oat straw were 
as low in phosphorus as any feeds that could be selected and these, 
combined with the washed wheat bran, constituted the ration low 
in phosphorus. 
The extraction of phytin from the wheat bran was easily accom- 
