Value of Clover as Stock Feed HOT 



From the above table it will be seen that clover hay carries 

 considerably more ash, from more than double to over five times 

 as much digestible protein, and a greater amount of total digestible 

 nutrients. The protein being the most expensive element, it 

 makes clover hay considerably more valuable than any of the 

 other foods mentioned. Clover hay cut at the proper time, which 

 is during full bloom, is eaten by stock with a good relish; this 

 adds tO' its digestibility. 



At a price for the digestible nutrients ip clover hay based on 

 the cost of these elements in concentrated feeds, it is worth $17.82 

 a ton. At the same price for the nutrients in good oat straw, the 

 straw is worth $9 a ton. This does not mean that the prices men- 

 tioned would be relatively correct if both were fed alone. It might 

 be true wnth clover hay, which is practically a balanced ration 

 of itself; but oat straw is so low in elements required to feed and 

 nourish the muscles and nerves that an animal w^ould starve to 

 death in time if fed on it alone. If we mix one ton of good oat 

 straw with one ton of clover hay, the mixture wnll be quit© equal 

 in feeding value to two tons of meadow hay, and in that case thiB 

 straw would be worth $9 a ton. 



In any way we turn the question of the value of clover as a 

 food, its great superiority over any plant that is so generally 

 grown in N^ew York state is apparent. As a food for horses it 

 has not been considered very safe, except when fed in small 

 amounts ; however, for cows, sheep, hogs, and all growing animals 

 it has no equal except alfalfa and some other legaimes, which are 

 and probably ever will be grown here only in limited quantities. 



The nutritive ratio of clover is about right for milk production. 

 As it contains a high percentage of mineral, animals fed on it, 

 either as pasture or hay, will develop strong bones. Every part 

 of the body will also be well nourished and satisfactory results will 

 follow. 



