246 FORAGE CROPS 



as usually cut, will be required to furnish the same 

 amount of total nutritive matter. 



Crimson clover is an exceedingly palatable for- 

 age, and serves good purpose for soiling, for hay, 

 or for pasturage. The composition at different 

 periods of growth is shown in the following tabu- 

 lation : 



Composition of Crimson Clover 



May 12, May 24, May 31, 



Pounds per hundred of before blossoming in blossom mature 



Water 89.17 84.23 83.26 



Dry matter 10.83 15.77 16.74 



Crude fat 0.43 0.53 0.53 



Crude fiber 1.78 4.37 4.78 



Crude ash 1.21 1.31 1.47 



Crude protein 2.53 3.00 2.95 



Nitrogen-free extract . . 4.90 6.57 7.01 



Albuminoid protein . . . 1.80 2.09 2.13 



The samples taken on May 12, before bloom- 

 ing, show a high content of water. The samples 

 representing full bloom, on May 24, and the fully 

 matured plant, on May 31, show a much higher 

 content of dry matter, although still much less 

 than is contained in other green forage crops. 

 The samples at this time also show a much higher 

 percentage of crude fiber than on the earlier dates. 



In the earlier stages of growth, crimson clover 

 is too watery to give the best satisfaction as an 

 exclusive feed, although in actual practice the for- 

 age would be much drier than is indicated by the 

 analyses. 



