274 



FEEDS AND FEEDING, ABRIDGED 



In some sections of the West, owing to the cheapness of alfalfa 

 \my, dairy cows are given this feed alone, possibly with green alfalfa 

 soilage or pasturage in addition during the summer. Complaints 

 are made that this unbalanced ration, which is too high in protein 

 and too low in net nutrients, does not always maintain the animals 

 in as good health as w^here concentrates or even roughages lower in 

 protein are added. 



Alfalfa meal. — In view of the palatability of alfalfa hay to the 

 dairy cow and its thoro mastication during rumination, alfalfa meal 



Fig, 76. — Dairy Cows Utilizing Land Unsuited for Tillage 



One of the great advantages of live stock is that they can graze upon land 

 unsuited for tillage. (From Kimball's Dairy Farmer.) 



is ordinarily not economical when good alfalfa hay is available, for 

 the fine grinding does not increase its value. 



Clover hay. — Hay from the clovers, cut while yet in bloom, is 

 one of the best roughages for dairy cows. Tho somewhat lower than 

 alfalfa hay in protein, red clover hay furnishes a slightly larger 

 amount of net energy. By the use of clover hay — red, alsike, or 

 crimson — the amount of concentrates needed to supply a well-balanced 

 ration can be reduced just as when alfalfa hay is used. For example, 



