EFFECT OF SILAGE ON MILK 245 



4. It brings them out in the spring in such condition that 

 they shed their winter coats and commence gaining at once. 



5. The silo prevents the waste of the corn stalks which con- 

 tain from 40 to 60 per cent of the total feed value of the field 

 of corn. 



6. And, therefore, a larger number of animals may be kept 

 on a given amount of land. 



7. The silo furnishes the most economical method of preserv- 

 ing feed for the hot, dry period in summer when pasture is short. 



8. It is usually preferable to a full soiling system for summer 

 feeding. 



JSTo dairy or general livestock farm is properly equipped for 

 economical production until a silo of some sort is provided 

 (Figs. 77, 78 and 79). 



The kind of a silo is not essential, but rather the three 

 points, namely: 



First, its height should be about twice as great as its diameter 

 to insure sufficient pressure to expel the air from the cut corn 

 and thus reduce the spoiling. 



Second, it must be practically air-tight about the sides and 

 bottom to prevent admission of air which will cause or bring 

 about rotting of the silage. 



Third, it must be made strong enough to withstand a heavy 

 outward pressure. 



The wooden stave silo has the advantage of producing a 

 very sweet silage if the corn is at all right, but has also the dis- 

 advantage of drying out quickly when empty, with liability of 

 collapsing. 



The cement block or monolith silo probably does not pro- 

 duce quite so sweet a flavored silage as a wooden silo, but it is 

 more permanent if well reinforced. And, so long as the cows do 

 not object to the slightly modified flavor, why should man ? 



The acid from corn put up too green has a perceptible effect 

 on cement walls and foundations, but the amount generated in 

 silage from mature corn is negligible in effect. 



Effect of Silage on Milk. — Milk produced by cows fed even 

 heavily and continuously on mature corn silage will not be less 

 tasty or valuable than any other and will be better for children 



