CROPS 



153 



In a silo fermentation is limited by exclusion of air, while 

 in a haystack it is chiefly lack of moisture which determines 

 the cessation of change. If the silo be filled slowly the tem- 

 perature rises so high (to about G0° C.) that the micro- 

 organisms which produce acetic, lactic, and butyric acids are 

 killed, and only the other organisms remain. The resulting 

 silage is known as "sweet silage." On the other hand, when 

 the silo is rapidly built and pressed as soon as possible the 

 temperature attained is not so high, and the acid-forming 

 organisms have opportunity for full development, and '* sour 

 silage " results. 



The chief changes produced by conversion of fodder into 

 ensilage are a diminution of the albuminoids and of the 

 carbohydrates, while the "crude fibre" seems to be increased. 

 A more serious loss, however, is a considerable diminution in 

 the digestibility of the albuminoids. In the case of red clover 

 it was found that 100 lb. of dry matter containing 



Ash. 

 9-5 



Fibre. 

 23-8 



Car boll yd rates. Albumiuolds. Amides. 

 4G-3 16-5 3-9 



gave 90*5 lb. of dry matter in the ensilage, containing 



Ash. 

 9-5 



Fibre. 

 27-4 



Carbohydrates. 

 33-9 



Albuminoids. Amides. 

 16-7 4-0 



It would appear, therefore, to be most economical to make 

 ensilage of fodders low in albuminoids, and to convert legu- 

 minous plants into hay. 



