1907.] 



PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 33. 



143 



Discussion of the Results. 

 Early Amber Sorghum. — This seed was sown broadcast 

 May 25 at the rate of 60 pounds to the acre, and the crop 

 was cut for soiling. It made a satisfactory growth, yielding 

 at the rate of 19 tons to the acre. The digestion trial began 

 August 13, as the sorghum was heading out, and the faeces 

 were collected August 20 to 26, when the plants were fully 

 headed and the seed forming, at which period it is probably 

 at its best for soiling purposes. 



Summary of the Coefficients (Per Cent.). 



Period I. 



The two trials with the sheep agree quite well with each 

 other, and likewise with millet and com fodder at a similar 

 stage of growth. The protein only seems to be less digestible 

 than that contained in the other two fodders. Sorghum is 

 eaten well by dairy cattle, is available just before corn is 

 sufficiently mature to be at its best, and is considered a 

 satisfactory addition to the list of soiling crops for Massa- 

 chusetts. A fuller discussion of the merits of this plant for 

 soiling will be presented later. 



Pride of the North Dent Corn Fodder. — The samples 

 were taken from a large field of exceptionally thrifty and 

 well-eared fodder. The stalks were quite stout and the ears 

 fully developed. Sampling was begun September 5, and the 

 faeces were collected September 13 to 19, at which time the 

 grain was in the dough and denting. The entire plant was 

 cut fine before being fed. It contained 77.4 per cent, water 

 and 8.83 j^er cent, protein in dry matter. 



