COMPOSITION OF COARSE FODDERS 



269 



EREXT 



CORN FODDER 



other nutrients in the various parts of the plant was con- 

 sidered. In the production of corn fodder, it should be the 

 aim to produce a large number of me- 

 diumly small plants with large leaves, 

 small or no ears and small stalks. By 

 so doing, the largest amounts of nutri- 

 ents most evenly distributed, palata- 

 ble, and digestible are secured. Corn 

 stover has more of the characteristics 

 of a straw crop, and is not as valuable 

 as corn fodder. When ears are pro- 

 duced, the protein is stored up in the 

 grain, and hence less is found in 

 stalks and leaves. The physical con- 

 dition and chemical form of the cellu- 



Fig. 87. Composition of 



lose, as hydrated or lignose, also in- a shock of com fodder, 

 fluence the feeding value of corn fodder and corn 

 stover. Corn fodder can be fed to all kinds of farm 

 animals, and is one of the cheapest forage crops that can 

 be grown. It is valuable alike for horses, sheep, and 

 dairy and beef cattle. 



378. Silage, When silage is prepared, the green ma- 

 terial is placed in a nearly air-tight compartment. Corn, 

 clover, or any green crop may be cured as silage. Corn, 

 however, is the crop most generally given this treatment 

 and unless otherwise designated, silage usually has refer- 

 ence to corn fodder prepared in this way. 



The chemical changes that take place in the silo are 

 caused mainly by ferments. Carbon dioxid, hydrocar- 

 bons, and ammonia in small amounts are among the vola- 



