414 ANIMAL BIOCHEMISTRY 



TABLE 16—4. Per Cent Composition of Dried and Ensiled Fodder Crops 



quantities of legumes and other forages have been preserved by ensil- 

 ing, either in upright or in trench silos. The losses of nutrients are 

 decreased and j8-carotene is preserved to a greater extent than under 

 the best haying conditions. It is necessary to add a source of carbohy- 

 drate such as ground barley or molasses to provide rapid fermenta- 

 tion or to add acid or bistilfite preservatives when a low-carbohydrate 

 forage is ensiled. Although legume and grass silage have become 

 popular in recent years, corn and sorghum silages continue to oc- 

 cupy an important jjosition in the feeding program. 



Grass 



Pasture furnishes the fotmdation for efficient livestock production. 

 In recent years a shift in emphasis towards "grassland farming" has 

 taken place. This shift has occurred partially because of increased at- 

 tention to water conservation and erosion prevention and partially 

 because of the realization of the vahie of good pastures in livestock 

 production. Young, actively growing grass contains more protein than 

 good-quality alfalfa hay. A mixed legume-grass pastttre furnishes even 

 greater amounts of good protein. Animals feeding on adequately 

 fertilized pastures require little or no protein supplements. Grain 



