FEEDING DAIRY CATTLE 187 



the succulence of silage is beneficial; it aids diges- 

 tion, and, of course, favors milk production. It is 

 undoubtedly true that wherever dairy cows are kept, 

 the silo is indispensable, both for economical feed- 

 ing and for the production of milk at a reasonable 

 profit. 



Available Grain Feeds. The list of concentrates 

 for dairy cows is practically unlimited. The cost, 

 however, must be considered. It is not enough that 

 a concentrate be labeled a food for dairy cows ; it 

 must possess a relatively large amount of protein 

 and a small amount of fiber. The less of fat and 

 carbohydrates in proportion to the protein, the bet- 

 ter, provided the supply of home-grown roughage 

 feeds is sufficient to meet the demand. In the past 

 too little attention has been paid to the chemical 

 composition of the concentrates. The custom has 

 too long prevailed of buying these by name, where- 

 as the only thing that counts is merit. The only 

 sensible rule to follow is to study the composition 

 of each feeding stuff, and ascertain which kind or 

 brand will give the largest quantity of digestive 

 nutrients and the largest quantity of digestible pro- 

 tein. This information will be of incalculable value 

 in buying feeds and will be a means of saving 

 money. 



Among the most useful and best liked concen- 

 trates are cottonseed meal, linseed oil meal, gluten 

 meal, gluten feed, bran, brewers' grain and malt 

 sprouts. The several by-products of starch and 

 cereal food factories are extensively advertised, but 

 they usually sell for more than they are worth. 



