17 



the chief crop for making silage. Other crops such as alfalfa, sorg- 

 hum, oats, milo maize and fodder are mentioned but not used in an 

 extensive way. It would seem from these reports that corn is the 

 most satisfactory crop for the silo. This is because the other crops 

 mentioned, if properly handled, are almost wholly consumed by 

 cattle without putting them in a silo. In feeding shock corn or corn 

 stalks in any form, there is from 20 to 50 per cent of the stalk re- 

 fused by all farm animals. When properly made into silage this is 

 put into such a mechanical condition and made so palatable that it 

 is consumed with very little waste. 



ADVANTAGES IN FEEDING SILAGE. 



As the practice of feeding silage is comparatively new among 

 cattle feeders, the information obtained in the reports by those 

 using it should carry a great deal of weight. There is probably no 

 better way of presenting their views than to give a few concise 

 quotations from practical feeders. 



" Advantages : 



1. Conserve highest possible value of crop. 



2. Work done in long days, etc. 



3. No waste of feed. 



4. Capacity of farm more than doubled. 



5. Land not injured by hauling. 



6. Clean ground for other crops. 



7. Most economical way of handling corn crop. 



Disadvantages : 



1. Additional expense for machinery and silo. 



2. Crop must be fed to ruminants. 



3. Extra labor required at filling. 



4. Silage not diversified nor marketable ". 



' ' Advantages : 



1. Economy of storing feed. 



2. Small expense in feeding. 



3. Supply of succulent feed on which cattle do well. 



Disadvantages : 



1. Expense of silo and machinery for filling ". 



" Advantages : 



1. Cheapens the feed. 



2. Makes perfect digestion. 



3. Convenient, is liked by animals. 



4. Enables you to feed ground feed to advantage. 



