CHAPTER III. 



THE USE OF SELAGE IN BEEF 

 PRODUCTION. 



In his "Feeds and Feeding," published some years ago, 

 Prof. Henry says in one paragraph, with regard to feeding 

 silage to beef cattle: 



"Because of its succulence and palatability, this for- 

 age is recommended as a substitute for roots for fattening 

 cattle." In another paragraph: 



"If the stockman desires a cheap, succulent feed for 

 his cattle in the winter time, he will find it in corn silage. 

 The same quantity of nutriment that a root crop yields 

 can be produced more economically in corn forage stored 

 in the shape of silage, and this article can be fed with 

 satisfaction to steers during the early stages of fattening. 

 At first as much as forty or fifty pounds of silage may be 

 given daily to each steer; when the full grain feeding 

 period arrives, let the allowance be cut down to 25 or 30 

 pounds per day. A limited use of this feed will keep the 

 system cool and the appetite vigorous." 



The same writer is also authority for the statement 

 that the best and most economical way to prevent the 

 "burning out" of steers being well fattened on corn, was 

 to feed ensilage with the corn. 



Accumulating experience in many parts of the country 

 covering a number of years indicates that Prof. Henry 

 was right, and it strongly approves the use of silage in 

 maintaining beef herds and in fattening steers. In the 

 minds of many farmers, the dairyman has long held a 

 monopoly on the profitable use of this succulent food, and 

 it is true that in cheapening production of dairy products 

 and in maintaining the milk flow and the perfect condi- 

 tion of his cows in those months when fresh grass is not 

 to be had for them, the silage system has reached its 

 highest development. Each year, however, has seen a 



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