OTHER FARM CROPS 643 



nutritive elements of other foods more available. It is a common 

 observation of those feeding pulp in a ration with grain that there 

 is a more nearly complete digestion of all ; the animal is more vigor- 

 ous and healthful and more susceptible to improvement from what he 

 eats. It is not suggested here that pulp should be fed alone, any 

 more than any other article of feed. The animal should be furnished 

 a sufficiency of the different elements of food to uniformly build up 

 his physical structure and supply his various needs. The thing de- 

 sired is a balanced ration. Fresh pulp is a succulent food, and is a 

 mechanical agent in the progress of digestion. The amount that 

 should be fed depends largely upon the purpose of the feeder, 

 whether for growth, maternity, fattening, milk producing, or simply 

 for sustenance. 



The amount of pulp entering into a ration is largely one of ex- 

 periment. Usually it is necessary in beginning the feeding of pulp to 

 graduate the amount on a sliding scale. If it is desired to fatten, 

 the amount should be gradually increased until near the close of the 

 feeding period, when the amount should be gradually reduced. The 

 gradual increase is necessary to adapt the animal system to this new 

 food and the gradual decrease to harden its flesh and secure the best 

 qualities of carcass. It is the verdict of the best feeders in this 

 country that a fattening animal should be given a liberal supply of 

 succulent feed in its rations. This may be accomplished by grazing, 

 or by feeding root crops, or pulp from the factory. An animal so 

 fed gives a better carcass, the meat being firmer to the touch, more 

 salable, more juicy, and possessing a higher flavor. This element 

 of succulency in the ration of an animal is the secret of success in 

 the Scotch and English feeders in the production of their fine steaks, 

 roasts, and chops. Their example is being successfully followed 

 throughout this country in producing meats of a higher quality 

 to-day. 



When it is considered that the pulp can be procured in many 

 places convenient to the feed yards of the farmer for nothing, and 

 many other places at 10 to 35 cents per ton, the suggestion of its 

 use is emphasized. It is a common custom for a farmer to return 

 home with a load of pulp after delivering the beets to the factory. 

 If it is to be used immediately, it is simply piled in a convenient 

 place and fed as desired. That for future use is placed in a silo. 

 The most common silo for beet pulp is a large slanting trench dug in 

 the ground, the walls of which are made of lumber, brick, or cement. 

 Some system of drainage is desirable. After a time siloed pulp 

 undergoes a change by fermentation, the same as any other silage ; 

 most people prefer the fermented pulp to the fresh. Any sort of 

 covering, such as hay, straw, or boards, will complete the means of 

 preservation. The pulp can then be drawn upon at will for stock 

 feeding. 



Beet pulp can be simply thrown upon the ground and preserved 

 for three or four years without any considerable deterioration, except 

 in the outer part. A silo can be built above ground with boards if 

 desired. Some sort of protection is preferable to none at all. 



