
A STUDY OF RATIONS FED TO MILCH COWS. 83 

suggested. The feed was gradually changed to the suggested 
ration with these three herds, and after four weeks fron the close 
of the first test another twelve-days’ test was made with the new 
ration. 
[n 1894-95 four herds were studied on the same plan as in 
the longer studies made the previous winter, except that the 
length of time between the two tests, on the same herd, was 
shortened to two weeks. 
L[n 1895-96 two herds were studied on the same plan as those of 
the previous winter, except that the time between tests was reduced 
to nine days. In one of these cases the herd was fed a very large 
ration of protein with an unusually narrow nutritive ratio, 
RATION FOR A MILCH COW. , 
A proper ration for a milch cow would furnish the nutrients 
needed to form the materials of the body and the milk, and the 
energy required to do the necessary muscular work and keep the 
body warm. Just what weights of digestible protein, fats, and 
carbohydrates will, as a general average, meet these needs ts a 
matter of uncertainty. The following rations have been suggested 
as guides in the practical feeding of mitch cows of a live weight of 
tooo pounds. Tt ts to be remembered, however, that a small cow 
giving a good amount of milk may need more than a much larger 
cow producing less. It is worth noting that tn Germany the 
heavier breeds of cows are more commonly and the lighter breeds— 
like the Jerseys—tless commonly used for dairy purposes than with 
us. Such light-weight cows may, however, demand as much food 
and as much protein for large milk production as larger cows. 


GERMAN STANDARDS. 




2 LEHMANN’S FOR A Cow GIVING = spp 
aio tentatively 
n 2 "oo > > > a suggested 
aye a's As as 4s i) eh 
in SF £9 jae ee a2 s Saige 
Su. Baer ee aint f eer | Station: 
ao = ie = nt Ee 
Lbs. Lbs. Lbs, Lbs. Lbs. Lbs. 
Organic matter, -  - 25.0 25.0 27.0 | 29.0 32.0 25.0 
Digestible protein, - 2.5 1.6 2.0 | 2.5 ge 2.5 
Digestible fats, -  - 4 Be ra18% A) 8 .5 to .8 
Digestible carbo- ) 
hydrates, - - - 12.5 10.0 II.O $2.08 ic. 13. 0:08 PF loers 
Gal. Cal. Cate esta) ys tal Cal. 
; } 
Fuel value, - - - 29600 22850 25850 | 30950 | 33700 | 31000 
Nutritive ratio, - - 1:5.4 1:6.7 -| 1:6.0 | 125.7 | 1:4.5 1:5.6 

