FEEDING FARM ANIMALS

Hawera Star, Volume L, 14 February 1931, Page 12

FEEDING FARM ANIMALS

The secret of success in stock-raising is tne maintenance ot animals in gopa condition all the year round. A knowleuge or the- scientific principle* ot stock-feeding is important to the stockman. This .knowledge is not absolutely essential as many nave achieved success in feeding as the result of years of experience. However, “experience is a dear teacher,’’ and if one combines 'a .study of the scientific principles of feeding with the experience gained on the farm ho will ioarn the art- of successful feeding more quickly, more thor(,u°luv, and with less expense than it he'clepentl-s upon experience as his only Voucher. To secure the most pi ofitable returns the stockman must first understand the fundamental principles o-overning the feeding of the various classes oil livestock. He must next study the possibilities, of his farm for crops paying attention to both their probable yield and their value for feedino, to stock. It is all-so essential to consider the feeding value and compare the prices of feed's that can be obtained on the market. With this, knowledge lie is in a position to plan his rotations go that from the crops raised, supplemented bv purchased food when it is economical, well-balanced rations maybe provided at the least expense. As a rule it is wise to raise all roughages on the farm and the greatest proportion, if not.all. of the concentrates also. In • plannintr economical! rations for any class of animals the stockman .should first select a combination containing the proper proportion of concentrates and roughage that will, supply the necessarv total amount of nutrients at the minimum cost. If this ration is too low in protein the supply should be brought to the desired amount by sublower in protein. On the other hand, stituting protein-rich feeds for those if the ration is too rich in protein carbonaceous feeds should be substituted until the nutritive ratio is widened sufficiently. It pays to feed good animals orderly; inferior ones are not wolfch feeding or keeping.