106 



and indigestible matter, but adds a good deal of mineral matter to 

 the ration. It is an excellent ' filler ' and, though not likely to add 

 materially to the value of a ration on account of its nutritive quali- 

 ties, it is of great value in helping disteod the digestive organs and 

 so facilitating and even aiding digestion. Of all straws in Canada, 

 oat is undoubtedly the best for cattle. 



PEA STRAW. 



Clean pea straw is of considerable value for cattle feeding. It 

 is, however, usually very dusty and badly broken up, which conditions 

 very greatly reduce its value as a forage. It is excellent sheep 

 feed. 



WHEAT STRAW. 



Wheat straw is very low in nutrients, It is dry, coarse and 

 nmpalatable, and has very little digestible matter. It may, however, 

 be fed in small quantities to dry stock whenever there is a shortage 

 in the roughage supply. 



SOILING CROPS. 



In growing soiling crops, provision should be made for a 

 succession of such for continuous feeding. Fall rye and fall wheat, 

 followed shortly by alfalfa, will be the earliest, perhaps 3 or 4 

 weeks before pasture grass is ready. In quick succession come red 

 clover, vetches, oats, beans and com. Roots come late in the fall. 

 To tide over any possible period 1 between crops, ensilage could be 

 used. 



ALFALFA. 



As a soiling crop, alfalfa is without a peer. It is ready for use 

 earlier than any other soiling crop possible of cultivation in Canada 

 save only fall rye and winter wheat. It starts to grow again 

 immediately it is cut and furnishes two, and frequently three, heavy 

 cJuttings in the season. It is not so readily affected by weather 

 conditions as other soiling crops and demands much less labour to 

 keep in shape year after year. For methods of growing see Domin- 

 ion Experimental Farm Bulletin No. 46 and second series Bulletin 

 No. 8. 



