THE COWPEA 263 



One ton t^rrvTlf 



Forage contains f,^rnishes ^^^ 



Per cent Lbs. Lbs. Per cent 



Water 8^.60 10.70 



Dry matter 16.40 328 2,624 89.30 



Ether extract 0.40 8 64 2.20 



Crude fiber 4.80 96 768 20.10 



Crude protein ....... 2.40 48 384 16.60 



Ash 1.70 34 272 7.50 



Nitrogen -free extract . . . 7.10 142 1,136 ,42.90 



Cowpea pasture and hay 



When the crop is not needed for soiling, it 

 may be used for pasture or hay. It makes excel- 

 lent pasture, and, if the animals are not allowed 

 to feed it too closely in the beginning, it will 

 furnish good grazing for six to eight weeks, as 

 the tendency of the plant is to throw out new 

 runners when the main stems are removed. Pas- 

 turing is wasteful, however, as the animals tramp 

 much of the herbage into the earth, besides kill- 

 ing some of the plants. It is better practice to 

 make the crop into hay, as it makes a very pala- 

 table and highly digestible product, and one 

 which, because of its high content of protein, 

 can be used to substitute for concentrated feeds. 



The cowpea is one of the most useful forms 

 of winter forage, as it can be fed in considerable 

 quantity, and because it possesses characteristics 

 which make it a good substitute for purchased 

 protein feeds. Experiments at the New Jersey, 



