The utilization of herbage protein by animals.

CONFERENCE PRO,CEEDINGS '952 recently the work of Legg, Curnow & Simpson (1950) has focused attention on the oestrogens in grass which they show tend to be higher in spring grass. Then again there is the marked laxative effect of young grass, particularly for cattle that have just been turned out, a factor which markedly affects its value at that time. Finally, we have troubles such as blowing or bloat in cattle on grass at certain periods of the year when the animals are unable to eliminate the rapidly formed gas from the rumen, and the work of Ferguson (1948) has shown the presence of a compound which affects muscle activity and is present in legumes at certain seasons. A good deal more information is still needed before a final assessment can be made of the feeding value of grassland, and the animal itself is the only final and accurate yardstick. It is, however, possible to forecast the value for most purposes more accurately to-day than before. REFERENCES