CHAPTER XVI 

 PREPARING FOODS FOR FEEDING. 



In the discussion of this question, foods are considered 

 first, with reference to curing; second, to mechanical prep- 

 aration; third, to blending; and fourth, to softening before 

 feeding them. The discussion on curing considers: (i) 

 Curing in the green form, (2) curing in the dry form and 

 (3) storing. The discussion on their mechanical prepara- 

 tion considers: (i) Grinding or crushing grain, (2) pulp- 

 ing or slicing roots, and (3) chaffing and shredding fodders. 

 The discussion on blending considers: (i) Blending me- 

 chanically, and (2) blending chemically. The discussion on 

 softening considers: (i) Soaking foods, and (2) cooking 

 them before they are fed. 



Curing foods green. Foods are sometimes cured, that 

 is preserved, in the green form. When so preserved, the 

 curing, so to speak, is accomplished by excluding the air. 

 In some instances curing is done by placing the fodder 

 while yet green in a large mow and tramping so as to make 

 the mass lie closely. In other instances it is placed in stacks 

 and subjected to heavy pressure while these are in process 

 of erection. The aim is to exclude the air as far as possible. 

 That remaining in the mans is removed by the heat which 

 develops through fermentation. Preserving green fodders 

 thus, though sometimes practiced in America, is not likely 

 to become popular in the near future for several reasons 

 that may be given. Chief among these is the reason that 

 green fodders may usually be preserved in silos with less of 

 labor and more of effectiveness, and they may also in nearly 

 all instances be more easily fed from the same. 



A silo is simply a structure in which green food is pre- 

 served, usually in the cut form, and through the walls of 



350 



