FEEDING TABLES AND STANDARDS.

We must consider in planning a system of feeding, (1.) What fodder articles we already have at disposal upon the farm. (2.) The cost of the various other materials in the market together with their chemical composition, the cost of carting and their effect on the quality of the milk and butter, and the general health of the animal. (3.) The amount of plant food left upon the farm in the form of stable manure, as affected by the fodders used.

These are questions largely affecting individual circumstances, and must be decided by every man for himself.

To meet the wants of those who desire to see if they are now feeding most economically, as well as for assistance in modifying the rations if desired, or in compounding new ones, we now append a series of tables.

FEEDING STANDARDS AND TABLES.

Table I is essentially that published by E. von Wolff in the Landw. Kalender (Agricultural Calendar), for the use of the German agriculturist. It is the same as printed generally in this country, and shows the total dry matter, and digestible amounts of the various constituents required by animals under varying conditions.

TABLE I.—A. POUNDS PER DAY REQUIRED FOR 1,000 LBS. LIVE WEIGHT.

* Substituted by Americans for the German weights 224, 270 and 350 lbs.

Table II is a compilation made by Jenkins, of analyses of American fodders, showing their minimum, maximum and average composition.

Thus giving the range in composition it enables everyone to exercise his own judgment as to whether the fodder immediately under consideration is of inferior, medium or superior quality, and to estimate from this table its probable composition.

In Massachusetts at least the term "meadow hay" is often improperly used for "bog-meadow," "swale," or "swamp hay"; as here used, reference is made to hay from our better upland grasses.

1 Substituted by Americans for the German weights 224, 270 and 350 lbs.

* Annual report of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station for 1887, p. 183.

TABLE II.-COMPOSITION OF AMERICAN FEEDING STUFFS.

Maize Fodder

Maize Fodder, Ensilaged
Sorghum

33 78.2 93.9 88.63 8.920 8 12.55 1.5 4 3
10 85 589 886.68 6.3 14 4 10.33 1 5 3.1
291 492.992.12 14 120 0 17.03 2.1 5.8
491.694 892.63 11.416 113.50 1.6 4.2
3 92.5 94 493.52 15 018.6 17.04 1.8 2 4
53 84.5 92.9 89.76 4.2 9 6 6.06 1.0 3.4
90.16
10,85.791 887.64 4 8 9.0
488.293 591.87 3.6 8.2
13 91.0 95.292.85 5 0 12.3
1.
89.75
386.391 389.32 7.8 9 9
2 88.7 89.4 89.02 6.8 8.3

2.44 35 0 49.040.55 15 635 7 26.86 6.23
2.52 31.8 45.2 40.46 19.7 35.1 28.07 5.30
3.95 38.2 40.6 39.38 20.327 3 23.75 8 00
2.35 36.5 43.5 40.86 27.729 528.61 7.31
2.05 35.5 39 237.12 26.233.030.217.10
2.12 39 2 58.5 47.10 22.7 38.5 30.374 11
1.95
46.52
27.45 6.99
2.00 38 548.9 44.15 24 738.4 30.174.80
1.93 33.5 48 6 44.45 29.738 3 33.81 5 35
2.14 44 453.0 49.41 23 631 328.25 5.83
2.47
47.49
26.14 4 44
2.52 36.248 041.93 25 133 6'29.92 6.42
2.25 46 947.5 47.19 24.3 25 225.786.23

TABLE II.-COMPOSITION OF AMERICAN FEEDING STUFFS - CONTINUED.

No. of

Analyses.

TOTAL DRY
MATTER.

PROTEINE.

CRUDE FAT.

NON-NITROGE-
NOUS EXTRACT
MATTER.

CRUDE FIBRE.

Min. Max. Aver. Min. Max. Aver. Min. Max. Aver.

Min. Max. Aver. Min. Max. Aver.

Ash.