EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 



265 



deep two days after filling, contains approximately 37.66 tons. With 

 the silage standing 25 feet deep, it contains approximately 51.58 tons 

 and with the silage standing 28 feet deep two days after filling, it con- 

 tains 60.8 tons. 



In the table below is given other data concerning the contents of such 

 a silo,. 12 feet in diameter: 



If the animals were fed 40 pounds of ensilage per day, the feeding 

 could continue but three-quarters as long, and the lowering of the en- 

 silage would be one-third faster. 



At the same rate of feeding as indicated in the table, a silo 14 feet 

 in diameter supports 27 cows for the same periods. A silo 15 feet in 

 diameter would support 31 cows and a silo 16 feet in diameter would 

 support 35 cows for the same periods. 



The capacity of a silo increases more rapidly than the depth. 



AN IMPORTANT PRECAUTION IN REGARD TO THE FILLING OF SILOS. 



The quality of the ensilage will depend in no small degree upon the 

 care and thoroughness with which the materials are introduced into the 

 silo at tbe time of filling. There are many good cutters and the farm- 

 er's selection of a machine must be governed by his taste, needs and 

 funds. The proper filling of the silo, however, is imperative. The pack- 

 ing must be done in such a way as to exclude the air as completely as 

 possible. The amount of work required to accomplish thorough pack- 

 ing will, no doubt, depend upon the maturity of the material to be 

 ensiled. Cases have been reported where little or no (?) packing by 

 tramping was required as the material was distributed by manipulating 

 the hood of the blower. These are rare cases. The instances of loss 

 by insufficient and improper packing are numerous. One case was re- 

 cently observed whore for a considerable depth right in the center of 

 the silo numerous small spots of spoiled ensilage occurred, apparently 

 because of insufficient packing. 



Another case was observed Avhere the workmen failed to tramp prop- 

 erly one area on one side where the material was delivered from the 

 machine, because they would not submit to the bombardment of pieces 

 of cobs, etc., from the blower and where also, because of the delivery 

 in this particular place, the material could not be properly distributed. 



Careful distribution of material and persistent tramping are neces- 

 sary to proper success. 



Unless the material is distributed by an adjustable hood, it should be 

 delivered at the center of the sjlo and distributed from that point with 

 a fork. 



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