718 DR. CHASE'S RECIPES. 



well covered all the time until fed out— not necessarily weighted, but, stillt 

 properly covered to exclude the air as much as possible. See next answer.] 



XVIII. Q. What is the condition of ensilage when opened? 



A. In nearly all cases the loss by decay was very slight, and confined tP 

 the top and sides where there was more or less exposure to air. 



XIX. Q. "What deterioration, if any, after opening? 



A. Generally the ensilage has kept perfectly for several months, showing 

 no deterioration while any remained in the silo, excepting where exposed for a 

 considerable time. It is better to uncover the whole silo, or compartment of a 

 silo, at once, and thus expose a new surface each day, than to cut down sections. 



XX. Q. What value has ensilage for milch cows? 



A. Ensilage has been fed to milch cows more generally than to any other 

 class of stock, and no unfavorable results are reported. There can be little 

 doubt that its greatest value will always be found in this connection. Several 

 readers consider it equal in value to one-third of its weight of the best hay, an(? 

 some rate it higher. 



XXI. Q. What effect has ensilage on dairy products? 



A. There is a marked increase in quantity and improvement in quality of 

 milk and butter after changing from dry feed to ensilage, corresponding to a 

 similar change to fresh pasture. A few seeming exceptions are noted, which 

 will probably find explanation in aefects easily remedied, rather than such as 

 are inherent. 



XXII. Q. What value has ensilage on other stock? 



A. Ensilage has been fed to all classes of farm stock, including swine and 

 poultry, with results almost uniformly favorable. Exceptions are noted in the 

 statements of Messrs. Coe Bros, and C. B. Henderson, where it appears that 

 horses were injuriously affected. It should be borne in mind in this connection 

 that ensilage is simply forage preserved in a silo, and may vary as much in 

 quality as hay. The ensilage that is best for a milch cow may be injurious to 

 a horse, and that on which a horse would thrive might render a poor return in 

 the milk-pail. 



XXIII. Q. What quantity is consumed per head, daily ? 



A. Cows giving milk are commonly fed 50 to 60 lbs., with some dry fodder 

 and grain. 



XXIV. Q. What is the method of feeding — alone or with other food? 

 A. Experiments have been made in feeding ensilage exclusively, and results 



have varied with the quality of ensilage and the stock fed. It is certain that 

 ensilage of corn cut while in blossom, or earlier, is not alone sufficient for milch 

 cows. It is best to feed hay once a day, and some grain or other rich food, 

 .unless the latter is supplied in the ensilage, as it is when corn has reached or 

 passed the roasting-ear stage before cutting. Ensilage, as it is commonly under- 

 stood, is a substitute only for hay and coarse fodder generally, and does not 

 take the place of grain. 



XXV. Q. What is the condition of stock fed on ensilage, both as to gain. 

 or loss, of weight aud health. 



