Nitrogen-Free Extract

In fodders, substances containing no nitrogen, and soluble in dilute acids and alkalies. The most important are sugar, starch, gum and pectin bodies. It is determined by subtracting, from the total dry matter, the protein, fiber, fat and ash. Most fodders, particularly coarse ones, have a superabundance of these substances for the needs of the animal. In fact, an important problem of cattle-feeding is to supply in concentrated fodders enough of protein, so that the nitrogen-free extract of the coarse fodders may be economically used up.