THE WAUPACA POST

August 9, 1894

 

POTATOES FOR STOCK

 

            The chemical feeding constituents of potatoes are: - Albumen, 2.1; carbohydrates, 20.6; fat, 0.3, which are supposed to be pretty thoroughly digestible.  But if given in large quantities they would effect the digestibility of hay or other fodder supplied the stock so fed.  The feeding value of potatoes is nearly three times the same weight of turnips, and when they are selling at from 25x to 30s per ton are an economical feeding for cattle, though some persons do not approve of giving potatoes to store cattle, as not being supposed to thrive so well on the grass afterwards. But they are well suited for milk cows and fattening cattle.  They are not proper feeding for cattle on grass, as they would have a tendency to scour.  M.M’F.

            Potatoes contain the following digestible constituents, viz.: - Protein, 1.6; fiber, 0.4, carbo-hydrates, 17.0; fat, .08. They contain less water, more carbohydrates, and a smaller percentage of fiber than white carrots, turnips, and maugels.  Their position as food is, therefore; very high; but they have not been found very suitable as to make them preferable to any of three roots above named.  They have been fed to swine, which prefer them cooked.  If cooked for other stock the expense would be more commensurate with the return, and besides, I do not believe in feeding too much cooked food for stock.  Horses can be schooled to eat potatoes, and if you can effect this then by all means feed them, as their feeding value is high. – Ex.