270 EXPEKIMENT STATION EECOKD. [Vol.35 



liand, they slionld be kept distinct, since sugar is frequently as important as a 

 flavor as it is as a food." 



In discussing tiie practical use of this grouping of foods by the liousekeeper, 

 sample menus for the day's meals are given which contain food materials which 

 are wholesome but combined in such a way as to furnish an excess of protein, 

 fat, and carbohydrate. 



ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 



Silag-e investigations: Normal temperatures and some factors influencing: 

 the quality of silage, C. H. Eckles, O. I. Oshel, and D. M. Magrudek (Mis- 

 souri Sta. Research Bui. 22 {1916), pjK S-32, figs. 7). — In these investigations 

 various types of silos were used, including the concrete, iron, stave, and tile 

 silos, as well as small experimental silos. Temperature readings were taken 

 by means of electrical resistance thermometers placed in half-inch iron pipe, 

 and the wires carried to the surface of the silage so that readings could be 

 taken. 



It was found that in the climate of Missouri the temperature of silage when 

 put in the silo will generally range from 75 to 95° F. The temperature rises 

 from 3 to 15°, reaching a maximum in from eight to twelve days. From this 

 point on the temperature of the silage slowly declines. Where sufficient moisture 

 is present and the silage is well packed the highest temperature will rarely 

 exceed 100°. By December 1 the temperature reaches a point between 60 and 70°, 

 and the lowest point, 50 to 60°, is reached by iMarch. 



The temperature in the silage in the early stage is influenced to some extent 

 by the temperature of the atmosphere at the time of filling, and of the water 

 used, if any be added. The greatest factor causing variations in the tempera- 

 ture in a silo is the amount of air contained in the silage. It was found, experi- 

 mentally, that the presence of air and the resulting growth of mold increased 

 the temperature in every case. The material used in the construction of the 

 silo has but little, if any, influence upon the temperature of the silage. 



In an experiment planned to determine the relation of the temperature in the 

 silo to the quality of the silage produced, six cans holding about 10 gal. 

 each were filled with corn from a large concrete silo while it was being filled. 

 The corn was thoroughly packed in the cans and covers provided which would 

 slip inside the cans. The cans were then placed in a screw press and heavy 

 pressure applied. The lids were securely fastened before the pressure was 

 removed and the cover was sealed around the edges with paraffin to exclude 

 the air. Two cans were placed in a cooling room at a temperature of approxi- 

 mately 50°, two at a temperature of 68°, and the other two at a temperature of 

 100°. Twenty-three days after filling one can from each lot was opened, the 

 silage compared as to appearance, odor, and taste, and samples were taken for 

 acidity, moisture determinations, and chemical analysis. The three remaining 

 cans were opened 58 days after filling. 



No marked difference in the composition of the silage fermented at the tliree 

 temperatures used was obtained. The acidity was decidedly the highest in 

 the lot at medium temperatures. The protein showed practically no variation, 

 and the ether extract was practically the same in all, or was within the limits 

 of error in making such analyses. There was some difference noticeable in the 

 figures for crude fiber and nitrogen-free extract. In each case the percentage 

 of crude fiber decreased between the date of the first sample and that of the 

 second. It would seem safe to attribute this to the effect of the fermentation. 

 The nitrogen-free extract was the highest in the lot at medium temperature 

 and the lowest at the high temperature. 



