288 



Bulletin 135. 



Forage Crops. 



Average Results iSgs and iSg6. Calculated from the Analyses of forage 



made of iSgs Crop, 



• Protein 2.3 c. lb. ; fat 1.14 c. lb. ; nitrogen Jfree ; extract fibre .94. 

 t&93- 



-Conn. Exp. Sta. 



A careful study of the preceding tables will reveal several 

 things. Though the estimated values given do not necessarily 

 represent the actual feeding value, yet they do fairly show the rela- 

 tive value of the diflFerent crops for the production of forage. The 

 unit of value used for the different constituents while not neces- 

 sarily representing their value for all sections, does fairly 

 represent their value for this state. The oats and peas are rela- 

 tively rich in protein and ash elements. The protein is the most 

 costly constituent which the New York feeder is called upon to 

 provide, and it is this constituent which is most likely to be deficient 

 in the ration. The ash constituent of a fodder is usually passed 

 over without any comment, it being taken for granted that all 

 fodders contain enough to meet the demands of the animal economy. 

 But this conclusion is not based upon fact. The ash element of 

 the fodder enters into the building up of the frame w^ork of the 

 body, the skeleton, and it is of the utmost importance that the 

 mineral or ash material be present in liberal quantities. 

 Oats and peas furnish a larger percentage of ash than any of the 

 other forage crops grown by us and the importance of this, while 

 not definitely known, is real and should not be overlooked. 



