Dan PACIPEEY OF DIGESTION OF FOODS A 
FACTOR IN FEEDING. 
BYsC. LA BEACH. 

INTRODUCTION, 
In a review of the work of this Station in the feeding of 
dairy cattle (Bul. 34) it was observed that a change in the 
ration involving an increase or decrease in the proportion of 
grain and roughage (usually accompanied by an increase in 
_ protein) was attended by a corresponding increase or decrease 
in the milk flow. The deduction was not fully warranted, 
however, from the fact that changes in the ration usually in- 
volved several factors, viz., increase or decrease in protein, cal- 
ories as well as in the proportion of grain and roughage. The 
facility of digestion as a factor in feeding is discussed at 
greater length in this bulletin and additional data presented. 
SUMMARY. 
A (page 6). Exclusive meal feeding. On the average for 
two animals, 614 pounds of cornmeal, containing 4.5 pounds 
of digestible nutrients, were required for maintenance. For 
the same animals 13.15 pounds of hay, containing 7.1 pounds 
of digestible nutrients, were required. 
One pound of digestible nutrients in corn meal was found 
equivalent to 1.57 pounds in mixed hay. Or stated in another 
way, there were required for maintenance 57 per cent. more 
digestible nutrients when derived from hay than from corn 
meal. 
B (page 15). An increase in the proportion of grain to 
roughage in a ration for milch cows tends to facilitate diges- 
tion, and is followed by increased production. 
C (page 19). Calf meal as a substitute for milk. For the 
young animal a satisfactory substitute for milk must be capable 
of being easily digested and assimilated. Calf meal did not 
produce as good gains as skim milk. 
