24 FORAGE CROPS IN DENMARK 



The average quantities of straw consumed per cow in ten 

 days during the experiment proper on the four farms were : 



Let us first compare the figures for groups C, C 2 and C 4 . 

 The groups were supposed to be equally well fed, but 2 or 4 Ibs. 

 of concentrates were replaced by 20 (24) or 40 (48) Ibs. of roots. 

 There is a little difference in the yields of milk during the time 

 of experiment (214, 210, 212) in favour of group C. There is 

 also a slight difference in the increases of weight (0-8, 1-7, 1'8), 

 but this is in favour of the roots. Group C 4 has consumed a 

 trifle less straw. Taking all this together, it would be very 

 difficult, or rather, impossible, to decide which of the different 

 ways of feeding has produced the best, that is, the most 

 economical, result. That is the same as saying that the 

 experiment with these sets of three groups has proved that 

 practically speaking the 20 Ibs. of mangels or 24 Ibs. of turnips 

 have had the same feeding value as the 2 Ibs. of concentrates, 

 and that 40 Ibs. of mangels or 48 Ibs. of turnips have been a 

 full equivalent for 4 Ibs. of concentrates. 



A closer scrutiny of the records from the different farms, 

 which is beyond the scope of this book, gave some indications 

 that the composition of the fodder, particularly the quantity 

 of oil-cake in a fodder with a large amount of roots, had some 

 slight influence on the yield. In the following years' feeding 

 experiments this question was investigated more closely. 

 Another question, namely, the relative feeding values of corn 

 and oil-cake has also been inquired into, and it was found that 

 most oil- cakes have a greater feeding value than the same 

 weight of corn. I mention these things merely to emphasise 

 the fact that the results of the feeding experiments described 

 above form only the beginning of a long series, and must not, 

 therefore, be taken as final. Generally speaking the results 

 then obtained still hold good. The first year's feeding ex- 

 periments with pigs and cows gave Danish farmers the answer 

 to their questions about the use of roots as food for animals, 



