134 FARMER'S BOOK OF GRASSES 



Both chemical analysis and the results of feeding confirm this 

 statement. If the corn stalks or other plants are put in whole 

 there is great loss ; for no amount of practicable pressure can be 

 applied sufficient to expel the air and prevent much decompo'- 

 sition. 



When the ensilage is properly prepared feeders contend for 

 increase in its value. And it is no doubt much more valuable 

 than the same matter would be if dried for winter and spring 

 feeding. Jvy using it animals require veiy much less water 

 than when fed on hay, as the latter contains only about one-sev- 

 enth as much water as the ensilage. The water in the ensilage 

 is warmer than that in ponds and streams and abstract little or 

 no heat from the animal and thus much is saved ; while the 

 heat absorbed by the cold water and out door air must be re- 

 placed by more carbohydrates in the daily ration of the animal. 

 Part of the material in the ensilage is rendered more digestible 

 and easier to assimilate by the slight fermentation 

 which takes place in the silo. If packed as above directed very 

 little air can remain in the silo, and as soon as the oxygen in 

 that is combined in fermentation with carbon, the fermentation 

 must cease both for want of oxygen, from the pressure of the 

 carbonic acid and the anti-fermentative power of the latter. 



To be thrifty our live stock especially the young and grow- 

 ing require succulent food ; and by means of ensilage it is cheap- 

 ly obtained. But corn stalks alone green or dry do not furnish 

 all the materials needed by animals for growth and fat in win- 

 ter and summer. Hence the necessity of some additional food. 

 A good ration for winter is for every 500 pounds live weight 

 20 pounds corn ensilage and 3 pounds corn meal or cotton seed 

 meal or oil cake per day. Wheat bran in small quantity may 

 be used also ; but it is too poor to use to much advantage with 

 ensilage. Shorts would be better. Corn, barley, rye or oats 

 could be advantageously used with* it, the first two especially. 



ENSILAGE PLANTS. 



Green corn has been most generally used. Teosinte would 

 probably be fully as valuable and vastly more productive. 

 Both these plants, having large stems and near the bottom hard 

 shells, should be cut in pieces not over three-eighths of inch 

 long. When cut too long the woody parts often turning end- 

 wise between the jaws wound the gums and tongue and cause 

 very serious damage to the animals. All plants for ensilage are 

 better cut when in bloom and on till the seeds begin to glaze. 

 The southern white corn has been extensively and successfully 

 used for ensilage. Perhaps some of the more prolific, softer 

 shelled kinds would be better. The sugar corns are richer but 

 smaller. The pea vine, millets, Johnson grass, sweet potato 



