CONSERVATION BY FERMENTATION 23 



Artificial desiccation affects the digestibility of feeding stuffs to a cer- 

 tain extent, especially when high temperatures are used. 



The cost of desiccation is about 5 cents per cwt. (in Germany). 



3. Fermentation 



The process of fermentation is applicable in — 



a. The production of so-called "baked hay." 



b. The production of so-called "brown hay." 



c. The production of sweet silage. 



d. The production of sour feeding stuffs or silage. 



"Baked hay," according to Klappmeyer, is prepared as follows : 



"*^ a. "Baked Hay" 



The freshly mown grass, free from dew, is stacked in cocks 10 feet 

 high, and after one to three days scattered again. In favorable weather 

 it will then dry sufficiently in about five hours. This method is no longer 



Fig. 9. Stack of "Brown Hay." 



in common use, the results being too uncertain. While in the cocks the 

 temperature of the hay reaches about 160° F., which favors the drying 

 process when the hay is scattered. When carried out under favorable 

 weather conditions the losses in nutrients are negligible. 



b. "Brown Hay" 



The production of "brown hay" has been practiced for a long time in 

 regions where climatic conditions are unfavorable for hay production by 

 ordinary methods. It is especially practicable in the curing of second 

 growth or aftermath. The grass or clover is cut and immediately put up 

 into small cocks and left for 24 to 36 hours. In this wilted condition it is 

 then built up in layers into stacks 10 to 20 feet high (Fig. 9). 



Thus prepared, it undergoes a process of fermentation through the 

 action of Bacillus coli, Bacillus calf actor, Oidium lacHs, Actinomyces ther- 

 mophilus, Thermomyces, Thermoascus, species of Aspergillus and Muco- 



