September, 1953] M. L. MATHUR AND S. V. DESAI 145
In addition to these fodders, small amounts of bhusa (wheat straw), varying
from 2 to 4 pounds per animal was also given to these animals. It may be mentioned
that these experimental animals, along with the rest of the herd, were being fed this
concentrate mixture and these fodders for the last five or six months. At the time
of the experiment, these four animals were selected for the metabolic trial and the
fodders were fed singly according to Table II. Thus the animals adopting them-
selves to a new feed was not a factor in these results. During each period one
fodder was given except in case of jowar silage which was supplemented with one
to four pounds of lucerne hay ; thus, jowar silage remained the principal fodder.
Each experimental day began at 8 a.m. and ended at 8 a.m. on next day. The
rations were fed four times a day. Each day's grain mixture was thoroughly mixed
and weighed amounts were put before the cows just before milking. It was observed
that the cows consumed all the grain mixture without any waste except occasionally
when some cow left a little quantity, which was removed immediately and reweighed.
The fodders required for the day were out in the fields and brought to the dairy
buildings, when samples for analysis were taken. Weighed amounts of fodders
were placed before the cows. These were generally consumed, but small amounts
of residues when left were accounted for. The appetite of the cows were keen
and at no time of the experiment impaired and they did not suffer from constipation.
Water was given at definite times in buckets and the amounts taken were recorded.
The cows were milked four times a day at 3 a.m., 8 a.m., 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Samples of milk were taken from all the four milkings and kept in the cold room.
A composite sample of the days milk was prepared by taking 5 c.c. per pound. The
faeces were caught in scoup shovels and collected in covered galvanised buckets kept
nearby by the attendents on duty. Each morning the faeces were weighed, thorough-
ly mixed and samples taken in wide mouth glass stoppered bottles for analysis.
The urine was collected by means of the urine cup arrangement, designed by Lander
[1926], which was held against the hind quarters of the animals. The urine was
collected in galvanised buckets coated with thymol. In the morning it was measured,
thoroughly mixed and samples taken in bottles for analysis.
Out of the twelve days of each period, the first six days were non-experimental
and the second six days experimental or collection period. During the non-experi-
mental period, the cows were given experimental fodder and grain mixture so that
they adapted themselves to the new fodder and eliminated the carryover effect
of the previous fodder from the alimentary canal. During the collection period
an accurate account of the amounts of feed given, the quantities of milk secreted
and of the faeces and urine voided each day was kept, and samples taken for
analysis.
The investigation involved the determination of 96 balances of the intake in
food and outgo in milk, faeces and urine of each of the following elements :
Calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus and chlorine.
METHODS OF ANALYSIS
The samples of fodders and dung were dried in the air oven at 100° C. powdered
and kept in sample bottles to be analysed later. The samples of milk were eva-
porated, dried, ashed and dissolved in HCl, then made up to a known volume of