Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1915-12-05
ll.-THE BALANCED RATION.
By H. E. Dvorachek, Professor of Ami
 nal Husbandry, U. of A.


 go to show that the balanced ration is a reality and not complicated inn aginary scientific standard which is beyond the comprehension of all but the college professor. It is fact that a large proportion of practical feed CTS feel that it is good subject for discussion, but do not adopt it.
 From the preceding article it was learned that muscle and protein tis- sue in the body came from protein substances in plant and animal foods. Heat, fat and energy come from car bohydrates and fats. The demand for these compounds. varies with the needs of the body. When an animal is growing, and therefore building muscle, hide, animal matter in bone, etc., the demand would naturally be for protein if development is to take place normally. If the animal is ma ture and is being 'fattened, carbohy- drates and fats should be supplied liberally, as they form fats more eco nomically than protein. If, then, the feeder supplies sufficient amounts of protein, carbohydrates and fats to ad- equately meet the needs of the ani- nal fed under these varying condi- tions of growth, fattening work, etc., he is feeding a balanced ration.
 The balanced ration is the result of experimental work where animals were fed known amounts of the va rious nutrients and their development noted. It was established that if a growing animal were to develop nor mally it must be fed not less than a certain minimum amount each of pro- tein, carbohydrates, and fats. This minimum is known as the feeding standard for growing animals of the same class. If, then, we feed animals foods which contain nutrients sufi- cient to satisfy this standard, we should be and are feeding a balanced ration. We have feeding standards which are adapted to all classes of live stock and for various conditions of production.
 The question is often asked wheth- | CT or not it is necessary under all conditions to feed balanced ration as set forth by a feeding standard. There is no question in my mind that there are conditions under which the feeding of balanced ration would be impracticable from an economical standpoint. Our feeding standards are only approximate at best, and should be looked upon as a guide rath- CT than as absolute requirements. The analyses of feeds are also aver ages since the composition of plants is affected by the character of the soil upon which they are grown, eli. matic conditions, methods of curing, and other factors. Variations must be made to suit the individual needs of the animals fed, and the feeder him. self must make these variations, guid- ed by the results obtained. Nothing is more true in live stock feeding than the old German adage, "The eye of the master fattens his cattle." How. ever, we can say that the minimum of protein must at least be satisfied,
 
 fed, making the ration very narrow, but still economical. This condition will always arise where such feeds as alfalfa and cotton seed meal are cheap and fed literally. This extra supply of protein is not necessary, but 1t makes economical ration.
 In figuring a, balanced raj jon there are many factors to be considered. The mere meeting of the require. ments will not always give satis factory ration. few of the mo,e important factors will be briefly treat. ed. Feed selected should be such as will be relisheh by live stock Good results cannot be expected from feeds which are not eaten with a relish, no matter how much nutriment they con. tain. A ration should have enough roughage to give it sufficient bulk to satisfy the appetite of the animal. Furthermore. roughages are generally cheaper than concentrates. The crops raised on the farms should be used as much as possible and livestock is the best means through which to market bulky farm crops which might other. wise be wasted. Variety stimulates appetite and therefore increases con. sumption. which should be accompa, nied by. greater returns. Market val ue of feeding stuffs should always be taken into consideration. The actual test of 8 successful feeding operation is the profit made. If production is expensive. profit will be- small, al Ahnmwh raina may ha cnticFo oA<,rw