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EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 



2-3 EDWARD VII., A. 1903 



it to be a grass rich in protein (flesh-forming substances), and low in fibre — the least 

 valuable of a fodder's constituents. 



Both for hay and pasture this hardy grass has been extensively introduced into 

 Manitoba and the North-west Territories. As a hay grass it has proved a heavy cropper 

 — the hay being palatable and highly nutritious. As a pasture grass it is particularly 

 valuable by reason of its earliness, large growth, and succulent aftermath — features of 

 considerable importance to the farmer, dairyman, and stock raiser. 



This year we have made a comparison between the hays of Bromus inermis and 

 Bromus arvensis, the latter, a grass that has recently received some attention in the 

 North-west, and concerning which Dr. Fletcher, Botanist of the Experimental Farms, 

 furnishes the following information : ' This European grass has been grown to some 

 extent in Manitoba, where some seed was sold as that of Bi-omus inermis. The plants 

 live for two years only, and in most places it is a smaller cropper than Bromus inermis. 

 I have cultivated Field Brome since 1892, If cut early it will give a second crop.' 



The samples analysed were forwarded by Mr. Herbert W. Husband, St. Francois 

 Xavier, Man., who writes as follows : — 'We have had 3 years experience with Bromus 

 arvensis and find it a much heavier yielder than Bromus inermis. There is no actual 

 knowledge of its relative feeding qualities compared with inermis, and we should, there- 

 fore, be glad to have an analysis made.' 



An examination of the samples by Dr. Fletcher showed that the Bromus inermis 

 was relatively somewhat younger than the Bromus arvensis — a large portion of the seed 

 of the former being in the dough condition, while that of the latter was ripe. 



Analysis of hays of Awnless Brome (Bromus inermis) and Field Brome 



(Bromus arvensis). 



In the subjoined data the proportion of the true albuminoids contained in the 

 crude protein is shown. The non-albuminoid nitrogenous substances, consisting of 

 amides principally, are of much less feeding value than the albuminoids. 



Of the two samples, Bromus inermis is evidently the more valuable. This is shown 

 by its larger percentage of protein, as well as by its lower fibre content. Though we have 

 no data as to the relative digestibilities of these hays, it seems at least fair to assume 



