FEEDING SILAGE. 361 



and no meal, the result from feeding only once a day 

 will probably be quite as satisfactory as from feeding 

 twice. The silage is usually fed before the bulky 

 food, since the latter is the unlimited factor in 

 the ration. 



Some forethought should be exercised in adjust- 

 ing the quantities of silage fed to the prospective 

 needs of the animals. For instance, if the feeder 

 has been feeding a certain amount of food daily, and 

 if he has reason to fear that by continuing to feed 

 thus the supply of silage will fail before the new 

 grass is plentiful, it would be better to reduce. the 

 quantity of silage fed daily than to have the silage 

 fall short before the period indicated. While green 

 food is always more or less helpful in regulating 

 digestion when dry food is being fed, it is never 

 more helpful than toward the approach of spring. 

 The system of the animals is much prone to become 

 weakened at such a time, more especially in cold 

 latitudes, hence the greater need for the adjustment 

 of the food to the requirements of these under the 

 conditions just named. 



From what has been said it will be evident ; first, 

 that much has been learned during recent years with 

 reference to silos and the making of silage ; second, 

 that when silage is properly cured and fed it is an 

 economical and health-producing food; and third, 

 that because of its economy and healthfulness this 

 mode of preserving food is likely to grow in favor. 

 Nevertheless, it ought to be borne in mind that many 

 things are yet to be learned about silos and ensiling 

 food in the same. The system is yet in the infantile 

 stage. Many features of the work have not yet been 



