CABBAGE FOB FEEDING 301 



CABBAGE 



Cabbage has not been largely used in this coun- 

 try for feeding live-stock, although knowledge as 

 to its value for this purpose is undoubtedly ex- 

 tending. That cabbage possesses a very distinct 

 value as a succulent forage crop is well understood 

 by those who grow the crop for the markets and 

 use the refuse for feeding. The extra cost of grow- 

 ing cabbage beyond that of growing turnips, rape 

 or other similar plants has probably been the cause 

 of a lack of attention to it. The disadvantages of 

 cabbage as compared with the other better- known 

 crops mentioned, are (1) the expense of planting; 

 (2) the large plant -food requirements; (3) the 

 difficulty of storing for winter use; (4) the low 

 percentage of dry matter contained in the crop. 

 Farmers with small areas for growing forage will 

 find cabbage a useful green crop, as it is excellent 

 feed for all farm animals, and it is a fairly well 

 balanced ration for milch cows. 



The crop is adapted to a wide range of condi- 

 tions, although its best growth may be obtained in 

 cool, moist climates, as are found in the more 

 northern states and in Canada, or in certain re- 

 gions along the shore, as on Long Island, where 

 the atmospheric conditions seem to be peculiarly 

 favorable. The crop may be planted in a rotation, 

 taking the place of oats in a rotation of corn, oats. 



