Show PO i U tr alry MILK IS ESSENTIAL IN CHICKS RATION protein content up to right point necessary by A R winter professor of poultry husbandry ohio state university service carefully controlled feeding tests have shown that early feeding of chicks does not interfere with yolk absorption almost a traditional belief 1 tave have food and water or milk ready for the chicks as soon as they are received from the hatchery A good starting and growing mash should contain isto 20 per cent crude protein not more than 7 to 8 per cent crude fiber and should be ground finely enough that particles are no larger than halt half a kernel of wheat also the chicks should be given nothing but milk to drink for the first seven to fourteen days to maintain the proper oper content of protein in the ration or the may mix mis 10 to 15 per cent of dried milk with the chick mash for the first few days this need for more protein in the early diet the first food of the chick after hatching is yolk which contains about 33 per cent of protein milk the first food of mammals also contains about 0 33 03 per cent of protein birds and fowls in the wild state are fed largely on worms and insects for a time after hatching this sort of food has a hi higher her protein content than egg or milk therefore it does not seem logical to change the ration of the chick suddenly from egg 0 yolk a 33 per cent protein food to a mash that contains IS 18 to 20 per cent protein some form of milk in the ration to supply additional protein Is essential for the first week or two |