Crushed Corn Research Articles

Development of technology of using substandard eggs in farm poultry feeding

Theoretically and experimentally, there was substantiated the expediency of enriching grain raw material in the composition of feed with the protein of animal origin due to a substantial reduction of nutritional and energy value of the grain components that are produced in Ukraine, often with violation of agrotechnology. The possibility to use valuable substandard egg mass for feeding agricultural poultry was proved. This will allow solving the problem of utilizing defective eggs. A technological way of producing the extruded feed additive was developed, which implies obtaining the preceding mixture of crushed corn and egg mass without shell of substandard chicken eggs in the 1:1 ratio in a frame mixer for 180 s, mixing the preceding mixture with corn grit, which remained in the blade batcher for 120…180 s, and the extrusion of the resulting highly homogeneous mixture. The rational parameters of technological process of the extrusion of the feed additive were established: pressure in the working zone of the extruder is 2...3 MPa, power consumption of the electromotor is 4.0...4.5 kW, product temperature at the outlet of the extruder is 110…120 oC, duration of the process is 60...120 s, diameter of the hole of the matrix is 10 mm. The optimum amount of the egg mass in the mixture is 10 %. The influence of the extrusion process on the quality and nutritional value of the extruded feed additive was defined. During the extrusion process, the 3,1 % loss of crude protein content was observed, the starch content decreased by 26.8 %, in this case, the content of water­soluble carbohydrates increased by 6 times. During the storage of the extruded feed additive for 3 months, bacterial semination decreased by 7 times. Biological assessment of efficiency of the improved technology of the production of extruded feed additive was defined on laboratory animals, and it was found that the extruded feed additive is characterized by high biological value, so in the tested group the daily average gain of live weight of rats was 25,4 % higher, and the conversion of feed was 20.3 % lower than in the control group.

THE STUDY OF PRODUCTION REGIMES AND QUALITY PARAMETERS OF EXTRUDED FEED ADDITIVE BASED ON CORN SEED AND SUBSTANDARD EGG MASS

On the base of practical studies were established the rational parameters of technological processes of production of extruded feed additive. There was determined an expedience of mixture of substandard chicken egg mass and the crushed corn seed in two stages in frame (during 18 s) and blade (during 120…180 s) mixers. There were determined the optimal regimes of mixture extruding: pressure in working zone of extruder 2…3 mPa, consumed force of electric motor 4,0…4,5 kW, temperature on outcome of extruder 110…120 ºС, duration of process 60…120 s, diameter of matrix port 10 mm. There were given the results of study of parameters of quality and nutritive value of extruded feed additive. It was established, that in the process of extruding the quality parameters of food additive are improved at the expense of dextrinization and gelatinization of starch, decrease of bacterial and fungal pollution, disinfection of product. There was proved a possibility to solve problem of utilization of defective eggs at feeding poultry.

Porovnání mléčné užitkovosti a některých reprodukčních parametrů holštýnských krav importovaných ze Švédska s jejich vrstevnicemi v Polsku

The general aim of the present work was to compare dairy performance and some reproductive parameters of Holstein-Friesian (HF) cows imported from Sweden as an in-calf heifers, and their age mates in Poland. The animals were kept freely on the deep litter on the farm owned by Agro-company “Witkowo” and feeding was based on TMR (total mixed ration) system during whole year. All ration’s ingredients (bulky feed, concentrate, miscellaneous additives) were mixed and fed as all-mash. The feed ration depended from the physiological condition of a cow and it was composed of corn and grass ensilage, mash concentrate, crushed corn meal, brewer’s grains and beet pulp.Cows imported from Sweden as in-calf heifers obtained higher milk, fat and protein yield in both lactations comparing to home cows. Significant statistical differences were observed for kg of milk, kg of protein, for FCM (P<0.01) and for kg of fat (P<0.05) in 2nd lactation. Fat and protein content in milk was in average higher for home cows (P<0.01). Big differences (P<0.01) were observed in SBT (proportion of protein to fat content) and RTB (difference between concentration of fat and protein) at imported cows in 2nd lactation. As far as reproduction parameters (gestation interval, calving interval, insemination index) are concerned was cows from Sweden better too. Heifers from Sweden calved earlier. The usage of high genetic potential of imported cows is possible only with providing them optimum living conditions suitable to their needs.

The study of the physicochemical properties of soft cheese made with untraditional ingredients

Manufacture of dairy products, especially cheese production, on the basis of reconstituted milk and milk recombination is an important task. Stable quality is the most important criteria. Soft cheese production is rapidly developed with the low complexity of technology. Wide range and organoleptic advantages compared with traditional types of cheese give hope to meet the consumer demand.Development of combined products of soft cheese with inclusion the proteins and fats of vegetable origin in product content is perspective task. Vegetable ingredients of different nature, their use in soft cheese product technology provide the appearance of a new formulation of nutrients in new relationship with the major proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins. The main advantage of the combined products is fully conformation with the balanced nutrition issues. In addition, the actual problem of saving the materials of animal origin is solved.Advanced and approved technology of soft cheese product on the basis of skimmed milk powder with a partial replacement of the main material by concentrate of crushed peanut kernels and corn flour with refined and deodorized oil gave positive results of physical and chemical parameters and organoleptic properties. Soft cheese, made by advanced technology, can be used to prepare a variety of meals and snacks in the restaurant business enterprises.

Effect of Forced Molting on body characteristics and post-molting egg production performance of Layers in Quetta, Pakistan

White leghorn layer (n=2740), with 85weeksof age, were submitted to forced molting by fasting for 13 days and changes in body characteristics and subsequent laying performance during second laying cycle were evaluated. Live body weight (LBW),ovary weight (OW), oviduct weight (OvW) and oviduct length (OvL) were measured before and after fasting. Post-fasting restricted feeding was applied, initially feeding crushed corn with added 2% Ca for 20 days and thereafter layer crumble feed was offered. Layers lost 632.16g (36%) of their LBW and significant reductions of 45.32, 47.53 and 54% were observed in post-fasting/molt OW, OvW and OvL, respectively (p<0.05). Resting period was 49 days and birds consumed 4.79kg feed during resting period. Egg production reached 50% in the 3rd week and peak mean egg production (87%) was recorded between 13 to16th weeks of production. Hence, it is concluded that while molting exhausted layers, the procedure adapted to induce molting and season would be a core factor in the subsequent laying cycle egg production and gain.

Effects of Organic Selenium and Zinc on the Aging Process of Laying Hens

The objective of the study was to determine whether supplementing the diets of post-molted hens with organic selenium (Se) (Sel-Plex®) and/or organic Zinc (Zn) (Bio-Plex®)1 could improve laying hen performance. Prior to molting, 120-78 wk old laying hens were separated into four treatment groups of 30 hens per treatment and were subjected to molting. Molting was induced by reducing photoperiod from 16 h per day to 8 h, and the diet was changed from a standard layer diet (17% CP; 2830 ME/kg) to a straight crushed corn diet. When egg production was reduced to zero, the hens were fed a control diet, or a diet supplemented with 0.3 ppm Se/kg of feed; 20 ppm Zn/kg of feed, or a combination of Se and Zn. Lighting was restored gradually to post-molting period. Changes in daily egg production, egg weight, egg quality (albumen, yolk, and shell weights), feed utilization and hen mortality were recorded. Results indicated that mean egg production was significantly (P<0.05) greater and feed utilization was significantly (P<0.05) lower for hens fed diet supplement with the combined treatment of Se and Zn compared to the other diets. Single treatment of Zn significantly (P<0.05) lowered mortality and increased egg production, but significantly (P<0.05) reduced egg, albumen and shell weights.

Microbiological and physicochemical evaluations of juice extracted from different parts of sugar cane stalks from three varieties cultivated under organic management

The artisanal production of cachaça, a beverage obtained by the fermentation of sugar cane juice after distillation, especially by small-sized producers, has traditionally used natural ferment ("fermento caipira") which consists of sugar cane juice with crushed corn, powdered rice, or citrus fruits. In despite of the difficulties in quality control due to the high level of contaminants and longer periods of preparation, the sensorial quality of the beverage may be attributed to the physiological activities of wild yeasts and even bacteria present during fermentation when this ferment is used. In this context, the aim here was to evaluate the microbiological (yeasts) and physicochemical characteristics of sugar cane juice extracted from different parts of three different varieties (RB72454, RB835486, and RB867515) of the cane stalk (lower, medium, and upper sections) in three harvesting periods (from May to December 2007) in an area under organic management. The juice from the upper section (from the eleventh internode to the top) of the sugar cane stalk could be indicated for the preparation of the natural ferment since it is as a source of yeasts and reducing sugars, especially the variety RB867515. Due to the seasonality, the best period for using this part of the sugar cane stalk is at the beginning of harvesting when the phenolic compounds are at low concentration, but there are higher number of Saccharomyces population and other yeast species. The high acidity in this section of the plant could result in a better control of bacterial contamination. These findings explain the traditional instructions of adding the upper sections for the preparation of natural ferment and can help its management in order to get a better performance with respect to organic cachaça production.

Influência do processamento do grão de milho na digestibilidade de rações e no desempenho de bezerros

Objetivou-se avaliar a influência do processamento grão de milho (inteiro, tratado com uréia ou moído na forma de quirera) sobre a digestibilidade de rações e no desempenho de bezerros desmamados precocemente e mantidos em regime de confinamento. A dieta foi formulada com silagem de sorgo como volumoso, em uma relação volumoso:concentrado de 40:60, na matéria seca. A digestibilidade in vivo da matéria seca (MS), matéria orgânica, proteína bruta, extrato etéreo, fibra em detergente neutro, fibra em detergente ácido, celulose, energia bruta e amido, o pH das fezes e o consumo de MS foram efetuados em um ensaio com seis bezerros, castrados, com sete meses de idade. A influência das dietas no desempenho dos animais foi avaliada em ensaio com 15 bezerros não-castrados e idades semelhantes aos do ensaio de digestibilidade, com peso vivo inicial médio de 159 kg. O processamento do grão de milho não influenciou as variáveis analisadas, exceto o pH das fezes, que apresentou valor mais baixo nos animais que receberam dieta contendo grão de milho moído.

Influence of Temperature and pH on Fermentation Pattern and Methane Production in the Rumen Simulating Fermenter (RUSITEC)

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of temperature and pH on in vitro nutrient degradability, volatile fatty acid profile and methane production. The fermenter used was the semi-continuous system, known as the rumen simulation technique (RUSITEC). Sixteen cylinders were used at one time with a volume of 800 ml, the dilution rate was set at 3.5%/hour, the infused buffer being McDougall's artificial saliva. Basal diet (9.6 g DM) used in RUSITEC consisted of (DM) 6.40 g Timothy hay, 1.86 g crushed corn and 1.34 g soybean meal. The food for the fermentation vessel was provided in nylon bags, which were gently agitated in the liquid phase. The experiment lasted for 17 d with all the samples taken during the last 5 d. Treatments were allocated at random to four vessels each and were (1) two temperature levels of 39°C and 41°C (2) two pH levels of 6.0 and 7.0. The total diet contained (g kg -1 DM) 957 OM, 115 CP and 167 MJ kg -1 (DM) GE. Although increase in temperature from 39°C to 41°C reduced degradation of major nutrients in vitro, it was non-significant. Interaction effect of temperature with pH also reflected a similar trend. However, pH showed a significant (p<0.05) negative effect on the degradability of all the nutrients in vitro. Altering the in vitro pH from 7 to 6 caused marked reduction in DMD from 60.2 to 41.8, CPD from 76.3 to 55.3 and GED from 55.3 to 35.1, respectively. Low pH (6) depressed total VFA production (61.9 vs. 34.9 mM) as well as acetate to propionate ratio in vitro (from 2.0 to 1.5) when compared to pH 7. Compared to pH 7, total gas production decreased from 1,841 ml to 1,148 ml at pH 6, CO2 and CH4 production also reduced from 639 to 260 ml and 138 to 45 ml, respectively. This study supported the premise that pH is one of the principal factors affecting the microbial production of volatile fatty acids and gas. Regulating the ruminal pH to increase bacterial activity may be one of the methods to optimize VFA production, reduce methane and, possibly, improve animal performance. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2006. Vol 19, No. 3 : 376-380)

Effect of Additives and Fermentation Periods on Chemical Composition and In situ Digestion Kinetics of Mott Grass (Pennisetum purpureum) Silage

This study was conducted to see the influence of additives and fermentation periods on Mott grass silage (MGS) characteristics, its chemical composition and to compare the digestion kinetics of Mott grass (MG) and MGS in Nili buffaloes. Mott grass chopped with a locally manufactured chopper was ensiled using two additives, cane molasses and crushed corn grains each at 2, 4 and 6% of forage DM for 30 and 40 days in laboratory silos. The pH, lactic acid concentration, dry matter (DM), crude protein and fiber fractions of MGS were not affected by the type or level of additive and fermentation periods. The non-significant pH lactic acid concentration, and chemical composition of MGS indicated that the both molasses and crushed corn were utilized at similar rate for the growth of lactic acid bacteria and production of organic acids. The MG ensiled with molasses at 2% of fodder DM for 30 days was screened out for in situ digestion kinetics in Nili buffaloes. Ruminal DM and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) degradabilities of MGS were significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of MG. The DM and NDF rate of degradation, lag time and extent of degradation was non-significant between MGS and MG. The higher ruminal degradation of DM and NDF of MGS than MG was probably a reflection of fermentation of MG during ensilation that improved its degradability by improving the availability of easily degradable structural polysaccharides to ruminal microbial population. The results in the present study have indicated that MG ensiled with either 2% molasses or 2% crushed corn for 30 days has better nutritive value for buffalo.

맥주박을 이용한 알코올 발효사료의 최적 발효조건 규명

본 시험은 맥주박의 알코올 발효가 발효특성 및 사료의 영양적 가치에 미치는 영향을 검토하기 위하여 실시하였다. 본 시험에 이용한 시험사료는 맥주박과 파쇄 옥수수를 50:50(풍건상태)의 비율로 혼합하여 혐기 발효에 의하여 발효사료를 제조하였다. 발효 조건은 당밀 첨가 수준(0, 2 및 5%), yeast 첨가 수준(0, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0 및 2.0%) 및 발효 온도(4, 10, 30, 40 및 50<TEX>$^{\circ}C$</TEX>)에 따른 변화를 검토하였으며, 각 조건에 의한 알코올 함량, live yeast cell number (LYCN) 및 pH 변화를 조사하였다. 당밀 첨가에 따른 알코올 함량은 첨가수준이 증가할수록 높게 생성되었다. 발효 24시간 동안에 yeast 0.1, 0.5, 1.0 및 2.0% 첨가에 따른 알코올 함량은 각각 1.9, 2.4, 3.1 및 3.1%로 나타나, yeast 첨가수준 1% 까지는 yeast의 첨가수준이 증가할수록 시험사료중의 알코올 생성량도 비례적으로 증가하였으나(P<0.05), yeast 첨가수준 1.0 이상에서는 일정한 양의 알코올 이 생성되었다. 발효 초기의 LYCN은 yeast 첨가수준이 높을수록 높게 나타났으나(P<0.05), 발효 48시간 후의 LNCN은 0.1% 이하에서는 유의적으로 낮게 나타났다(P<0.05). 발효 온도에 따른 알코올 생성량은 발효 온도 30 및 40<TEX>$^{\circ}C$</TEX>에서 유의적으로 높은 결과를 보였으며(P<0.05), 30<TEX>$^{\circ}C$</TEX>와 40<TEX>$^{\circ}C$</TEX> 간의 알코올 생성량은 30<TEX>$^{\circ}C$</TEX>에서 높은 경향이었다. 발효 온도에 따른 pH는 발효 온도가 낮을수록 발효 24시간까지 급격히 감소하는 것으로 나타났다(P<0.05). 이상의 결과로 미루어 맥주박의 사료적 가치를 높이기 위해 yeast의 첨가량, 당밀(발효기질), 발효온도 및 발효시간 등의 요인을 고려하였을 경우, 본 시험의 조건하에서 원활한 알코올 발효와 발효사료의 품질을 향상시키기 위한 적정 발효조건은 당밀 5%와 yeast 1%를 첨가하여 30<TEX>$^{\circ}C$</TEX>에서 24시간 동안 발효시키는 것이 가장 바람직한 것으로 나타났다. To determine the optimum fermentation condition, the 50:50 feed mixture of both crushed corn and wet brewer’s grain were anaerobically fermented at various conditions. Three supplementation levels(0, 2%, and 5%) of molasses, five supplementation levels(0, 0.1%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0%) of yeast and five different incubation temperatures(4<TEX>$^{\circ}C$</TEX>, 10<TEX>$^{\circ}C$</TEX>, 30<TEX>$^{\circ}C$</TEX>, 40<TEX>$^{\circ}C$</TEX> and 50<TEX>$^{\circ}C$</TEX>) were tested to determine the optimum fermentation conditions. During fermentation, alcohol concentration, live yeast cell number (LYCN) and pH values of the mixture were analyzed. Alcohol concentrations of the fermented feed mixtures were proportionally increased with increasing level of molasses supplementation. After 24hr fermentation, alcohol concentrations at 0.1%, 0.5%, 1.0% and 2.0% of yeast supplementation was 1.9%, 2.4%, 3.1% and 3.1%, respectively. These results indicate a proportional increase of alcohol concentration with the increasing supplementation of yeast (P<0.05) up to 1%, thereafter showing plateau at 2% supplementation. LYCN was relatively high with more than 0.5% yeast supplementation, whereas the value was significantly low(P<0.05) at 0.1% yeast supplementation. Alcohol production was significantly higher at 30<TEX>$^{\circ}C$</TEX> and 40<TEX>$^{\circ}C$</TEX> than other incubation temperatures (P<0.05), with the highest concentration at 30<TEX>$^{\circ}C$</TEX>. pH was rapidly decreased until 24 hours of incubation with steeper decrease at lower temperatures(P<0.05). Based on there results, optimum fermentation conditions for the alcoholic-fermented feed production could be achieved with 5% supplementation of molasses, 1% supplementation of yeast, and 24hr long incubation at 30<TEX>$^{\circ}C$</TEX>.

Correlation of growth and aflatoxin production by Aspergillus flavus with some essential metals in gamma irradiated crushed corn.

The effects of gamma irradiation and some essential metals on growth and aflatoxin B1 production by Aspergillus flavus in crushed corn were investigated. The production of aflatoxin by A. flavus was influenced by the addition of zinc, copper or iron and the effect gradually decreased with increasing metal concentration from 0 to 300 ppm. A. flavus grew and depleted zinc, copper and iron at initial concentration of 100, 200 or 300 ppm. Presence of 100 ppm zinc, copper or iron plus gamma irradiation (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 kGy) enhanced the growth of A. flavus and the production of aflatoxin in contrast with irradiated samples alone. A. flavus was able to metabolize and deplete elements in all gamma-irradiated samples. These results suggest that stricter control of element levels in gamma irradiated grains could control aflatoxin contamination.

Effect of particle size of corn grains on the release of nutrients and in sacco degradability

The relative proportion of albumin, globulin, prolamin and glutelin in corn grain was 10.44, 12.56, 31.65 and 45.35%, respectively. The prolamins and glutelins were least degraded in the rumen. Corn grains were crushed and sieved through screens of four different pore sizes (1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 mm). The average particle size increased ( P<0.05) whereas the surface area decreased linearly ( P<0.05) with the increase in pore size of screen. The crushed corn grains in triplicate were soaked with water in 1:1.25, 1:1.50, 1:1.75 and 1:2.00 ratio for 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 h at room temperature. With the increase in the particle size, irrespective of moisture level or soaking period, the release of water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) and protein (WSP) decreased ( P<0.05) and water holding capacity (WHC) increased ( P<0.05) linearly. The WSC, WSP and WHC increased ( P<0.05) with the increase in the moisture level, irrespective of particle size of crushed grains or period of soaking. The release of WSC and WSP increased ( P<0.05) up to 4 h soaking and WHC up to 8 h soaking. The digestion kinetic parameters revealed that the potentially degradable and undegradable fractions declined linearly with reduction in particle size thereby leading to linear increase in the effective DM degradability with the reduction in particle size of corn grains. It was concluded that corn grains crushed and sieved through 1–1.5 mm screen, soaked with water in 1:2 ratio for 4–8 h was sufficient for softening the hard texture, release of water soluble nutrients and their effecient utilization.

Lactic acid production in a cell retention continuous culture using lignocellulosic hydrolysate as a substrate

The effect of lignocellulosic hydrolysate of crushed corn cobs on the kinetics of growth and lactic acid production of Lactobacillus casei and L. lactis in the cell retention continuous culture was studied. The continuous cultivations were carried out in a continuous flow stirred bioreactor combined in a recycle loop with an ultrafiltration module retaining all biomass and allowing the continuous removal of metabolites, including lactic acid, as a cell-free permeate. Based on computer-aided analysis of experimental data, a simple physiological model of lactic acid cultivation was developed. The parameters of the model were estimated by non-linear regression.

Lactic acid production in a continuous culture using lignocellulosic hydrolysate as a substrate. Identification of a physiological model

The effect of lignocellulosic hydrolysate of crushed corn mobs on the growth and lactic acid formation in a continuous culture ofLactobacillus casei andL. lactis at dilution rate 0.08–0.3/h was studied. A simple physiological model of the process was derived from computer-aided analysis of the data which relates bacterial growth, lactic acid formation to the utilization of two different sources of nutrients. The parameters of the model were estimated by nonlinear regression and used for process simulation and estimation of maximum productivity of lactic acid.

Investigations on preileal digestion of starch from grain, potato and manioc in horses.

In this study preileal starch digestibility of starchy feeds (oats, corn, barley, potatoes, manioc) was determined in seven jejunofistulated horses. The grains were fed whole (oats, corn), rolled (oats, barley), crushed, ground and expanded (corn); the potatoes were fresh, the manioc rolled. Ground corn was also fed in combination with amylase. The feeds were fed partly isolated or in combination with alfalfa meal or hay (Table 1). At least four horses with a cannula in the terminal jejunum were used for each diet. Two meals per day were offered at 12 h intervals. The starch intake was mostly about 2 g/kg bw/meal, except one period with oats (3.9 g starch/kg bw) and with expanded corn (1.4 g/kg bw). Jejunal chyme was postprandially collected 11 times (from 1st to the 11th h after the morning meal for 15 min). Starch was determined polarimetrically. The preileal digestibility of starch was calculated by the marker method (chronic oxide 0.25% DM) and by estimating the total jejunoileal chyme flow during 12 h postprandially extrapolating the sample volume from the 15 min sampling periods. The results of both methods agreed quite well. Preileal digestibility of oat starch (80-90%) was (independent of doses or preparation or of the combination with hay, Table 4) significantly higher than that of whole or crushed corn (30%) or barley (26%). Grinding of corn significantly increased preileal digestibility to 51%, expanding to 90%. The addition of amylase improved digestion of ground corn by 10% (absolute). The preileal digestibility of potato or manioc was less than 10%. Individual factors in the horse (chewing intensity, amylase activity) had also considerable influence on preileal starch digestibility.

Intravenous Catheter Placement

An Amazon from another collection died acutely and was brought in for necropsy. The proventriculus was markedly thickened, the proximal bowel showed gross evidence of bleeding and the ventriculus was full of crushed walnut shell bedding. The owner determined that the bird had access to the wanut shells for less than two hours approximately one month before it died. Another Amazon in the flock with access to the same walnut shell bedding had previously been presented to the clinic for and eating and on and off depression. Although the owner had declined radiographs at the time, the bird responded to treatment with Milk of Magnesia and piperacillin. Avian veterinarians need to be aware that ingestion of some bedding materials such as crushed corn cobs and walnut shells (in addition to kitty litter and excess grit) can result in gastrointestinal obstruction. I am not aware of problems with the use of Crown bedding paper pellets, which seem to be digestible if ingested.

Direct fermentation of corn to L(+)-lactic acid byRhizopus oryzae

L(+)-lactic acid is produced in high yield by a direct one step fermentation of renewable biomass such as ground corn using Rhizopus oryzae in the presence of calcium carbonate. A kilogram of crushed corn yields over 350 grams high purity L(+)-lactic acid.

Opening the Door of a Barn I Thought Was Empty on New Year's Eve

Dusk. The west shot up a red beam. I open the double barn doors and go in. Sounds of breathing! Thirty steers are wandering around, the partitions gone. Creatures heavy, shaggy, slowly moving in the dying light. Bodies with no St. Teresas look straight at me. The floor is cheerful with clean straw. Snow gleams in the feeding lots through the other door. The bony legs of the steers look frail in the pale light from the snow, like uncles living in a city. A barn is a sort of house . . . the windowpanes clotted with dust and cobwebs. The dog stands up on his hind legs to look over the worn wooden gate. Large shoulders watch him, and he suddenly puts his legs down, frightened. After a while, he puts them up again. A steer's head swings to look at him, and stares for three or four minutes, unable to get a clear picture from the instinct reservoir, then suddenly bolts ... But their enemies are asleep, the barn is asleep . . . these breathing ones do not demand eternal life, they ask only to eat the crushed corn, and the hay, coarse as rivers, and cross the rivers, and sometimes feel an affection run along the heavy nerves. They have the wonder and bewilderment of the whale, with too much flesh, the body with the lamp lit inside, fluttering on a windy night.