288 DAIRY CATTLE AND MILK PRODUCTION 



content, making it necessary to feed large quantities of con- 

 centrates rich in this expensive nutrient when timothy hay 

 is fed. 



Corn Stover. This forage may be utilized to a small 

 extent. It has the same characteristics and objections as 

 timothy hay, and cannot be depended upon for more than a 

 part of the roughness. 



Hay from Legumes. Hay of this class is especially val- 

 uable for the dairy cow. It includes the common clovers, 

 alfalfa, the cowpea, the soy bean, the field pea, and other less 

 commonly used legumes, such as vetch and crimson clover. 

 Forage from this class of plants when properly cured is highly 

 palatable, and contains a relatively large amount of protein. 

 It is for this reason especially that a legume hay should by 

 all means be grown by the farmer in the corn belt. The ash 

 content is also large, which is of importance, especially when 

 fed with corn products that are low in this class of sub- 

 stances. 



Silage. The importance of supplying a succulent food 

 to the cow at all times has been discussed elsewhere. In 

 feeding corn silage it should be kept in mind that it is not of 

 itself a complete ration for the cow in milk, since it is relatively 

 high in carbohydrates and low in protein. It is not advis- 

 able, either, to feed it as the only roughness. Some hay should 

 be given as well, and for this purpose the legumes are the best 

 adapted, on account of their high protein and ash content. 

 It is not advisable to feed over about 35 pounds to a small 

 cow and 40 to 45 to a large animal. 



Corn. Over the greater part of America corn is the most 

 common and cheapest grain. In the corn belt this valuable 

 grain is often fed to excess. On the other hand, some dairy- 



