COMPOSITION OF COARSE FODDERS 265 



369. Hay, Similar to Timothy. Millet, blue grass 

 hay, and the numerous varieties of native prairie hay, have 

 about the same general composition and feeding value as 

 timothy hay. Each, however, differs from timothy to a 

 slight extent both in chemical composition and structure 

 of parts, some being preferable to others for feeding 

 certain kinds of animals. These hays, particularly native 

 prairie hays, vary in protein content from 6 to 1 1 per cent, 

 according to the conditions under which they are grown 

 and other factors which affect their composition. Tim- 

 othy, blue grass and the numerous varieties of prairie 

 hay, are classed as coarse fodders containing a low to 

 a medium amount of crude protein. 



370. Oat Hay. When oats are cut at the heading-out 

 stage and cured as hay, they make a valuable fodder 

 which compares favorably with the best grades of timothy 

 hay, and usually contains slightly more protein than 

 timothy or hays of similar character. Oat hay should be 

 cured for fodder while the nutrients are evenly dis- 

 tributed, and before they are transported and stored up 

 in the grain. 



371. Hay, Similar to Oat Hay. Wheat and other 

 cereals, cut at the right stage, have a similar composi- 

 tion and feeding value to oat hay. In localities where 

 the climatic conditions do not admit of the growth of 

 perennial grasses, these forage crops are grown in their 

 stead. 



372. Bromus Inermis varies in composition and feed- 

 ing value according to the stage when cut. When over- 



