152 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



Professor Robertson. I do not think so, because en- 

 silage is a most wholesome ration, and puts animals in the 

 best health; and good, vigorous health is the best pre- 

 ventive of that disease. 



Professor Whitcher. What would be the effect of corn 

 ensilao-e fed to a brood mare in foal ? 



Professor Robertson. I do not know ; but I know some 

 of our best breeders of horses have fed corn ensilage and 

 horse beans to their colts with good results. 



Professor Brooks. In regard to the effect of ensilage 

 upon tuberculosis, I am aware there is quite a general 

 prejudice against it, many having the notion it has some- 

 thino' to do with tuberculosis. The statement has been 

 made that most colleges have tuberculosis ; and that which 

 I think was in the mind of the gentleman who asked the 

 question, though not expressed, was that most of them feed 

 ensilaire. We have had tuberculosis at Amherst, but we 

 have had it for over twenty years, and we never had a silo 

 until the last few years. I think many others can relate a 

 similar experience. I have no idea that ensilage has any- 

 thing to do with tuberculosis. The first thing to do is to 

 keep the cow in good health. If you feed a cow with sour 

 ensilage, it is possible you may lower her health and make 

 her an easier prey to tuberculosis, but if you feed it 

 judiciously, I believe there is no possible connection. 



There were one or two thoughts suggested by Professor 

 Robertson's remarks which I may be pardoned for bringing 

 forward. He referred to mixing oats, wheat, barley and 

 peas. In many parts of Massachusetts it would not answer, 

 I think, to sow spring wheat. Invariably in the Connecticut 

 valley it rusts very seriously. That is one of the things 

 worth thinking about. 



Then, again, is there any economy in feeding ensilage in 

 summer, rather than fodder ? I do not think it is possible 

 to feed cattle on whole corn stalks Avithout a great deal of 

 waste ; a considerable part of the stalk will be left. You 

 can undoubtedly starve them into eating the bulk of it up, 

 but they won't give you a satisfiictory return in milk, 

 whereas if you make it into ensilage they will eat it all. 



Then, taking the figures which he has given in comparison 



