Choosing a Forage Crop 155 



alfalfa or rape. For this reason, the supply of succulence 

 is not uniformly distributed throughout the summer. 

 Clover frequently winter-kills and is quite sensitive to 

 over-stocking. On some soils it is difficult to secure a 

 "catch," and being a biennial it requires seeding every 

 two years. The wide adaptability of red clover, however, 

 the important position which it occupies in successful 

 farming generally, and its feeding qualities, make it one 

 of the most popular of forage crops. 



More specific information relative to the value of this 

 crop in comparison with other forages is to be found by 

 a study of the results of feeding trials conducted at the 

 experiment stations. The most important recent studies 

 are summarized and reported in the following pages. 



Clover versus alfalfa. 



These two premier forages have been compared in five 

 recent experimental feeding tests conducted at three 

 different corn-belt stations. In each trial the pigs used 

 were of spring farrow and the experiments began early 

 in the summer, covering an average period of 135 days. 

 Practically full corn rations were fed in all except one 

 trial in which three-fourths of a full ration was given. 

 In all but one of the experiments, a small proportion of 

 tankage was fed to supplement the corn. The results 

 are summarized and shown in Table XXXVII. 



Although the pigs on clover made a shade faster gains, 

 those on alfalfa gained the most from a unit of grain fed. 

 Also, the alfalfa lots yielded the heavier cuttings of hay. 

 When alfalfa is available, feeders usually prefer it to 

 clover not only because of the results here shown, but also 

 because it furnishes a more uniform and constant supply 

 of forage throughout the summer. 



