Aug. 6. I9I7 Chemical Studies in Making Alfalfa Silage 



281 



PRIMARY CONDITIONS FOR MAKING AI^FAtFA SltAGE 



This analysis of the figures presented leads to the conclusion that the 

 primary conditions for making good alfalfa silage are exclusion of air 

 and retention of carbon dioxid. The use of a supplement is necessary 

 to insure success because it is not possible in practice to fulfill these con- 

 ditions absolutely. 



CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OP SILAGE FROM BOTTLES 



Table II gives the figures for the chemical analysis of the silage put up 

 in the 132 bottles in the spring of 191 5. After judging the quality at 

 the time of opening, the silage was analyzed for moisture, acidity, total 

 nitrogen, and nitrogen in amino form as determined by the formol titra- 

 tion. Tlie quality of the silage was expressed on a percentage basis. 

 When the quality of the silage from the four bottles in a set (full, three- 

 fourths, one-half, and one-fourth pack) graded 90 to 100, only the aver- 

 age figures from the analysis of the four bottles are given in the tables. 

 It was found that the tightness of packing made comparatively little 

 difference in the percentage amount of chemical change produced. 



Table II. — Chemical analysis of alfalfa silage in bottles 



MADE FROM FRESHLY CUT ALFALFA 



In the groups where results are given on each bottle separately, the first one is full pack, the second 75 

 per cent, the third 50 per cent, and the fourth 25 per cent. 

 '' The bottle with 25 per cent pack graded only 90. 



