II Jak., 1909.] 



Vhie Pninings as Fodder. 



13 



VINE PRUNINGS AS FODDER. 



/'". dc Castella, Government Viiienlturist. 



This subject, which was briefi\ referred to in the October number of 

 the Journal, is dealt with in the "■ Progres Agricole et Vitieole " of 20th 

 September last, published at Montpellier, France, in an interesting article 

 by M. Paul Heran, a few extracts from which may prove of intere.st. 



The following analyses of vine prunings (canes and leaves) in dif- 

 ferent forms will give some idea of their high fodder value : — 



Vine pruning ensilage, reduced to the same state of dryness as hay, 

 viz., 14 per cent, of moisture, compares as follows with meadow hay : — 



As M. Heran remarks, " One can see from these analyses and this 

 comparison that ensilaged vine prunings can and should constitute good 

 fodder." To obtain this result the most iinportant point is the mechanical 

 treatment the\ must receive for which purpose several makes of machine 

 are obtainable in France which chaff, crush and disintegrate the prunings 

 iri a very thorough manner. 



In order to make good ensilage, the vines should be pruned as soon 

 after vintage as possible and before the leaves have fallen so that the 

 proportion of moisture may be sufficient to enable fermentation to take 

 place under normal conditions. After being reduced to a fine state of 

 division in the machine alluded to the silo is filled and weighted at the 

 rate of i| to 2 tons per square metre (io| .square feet). Fermentation 

 takes place, raising the temperature to 113 deg. to 122 deg. F. which 

 point should not be exceeded. As soon as it has cooled down the silage 

 is fit for use. 



This form of fodder is beginning to be used in the viticultural regions 

 of France and several large proprietors are mentioned who thus utilize 

 their prunings on a large scale with excellent results. After a very little 

 time cattle become used to it and ent it readil\ . Horses .and mules re- 

 quire to be gradually accustomed to it, but after being broken in to its 

 use for 3 or 4 days they may be fed on it exclusivelv though it is 



