270 PRINCIPLES OF FEEDING FARM ANIMALS 



system of soilage for dairy cows for Illinois as given in 

 Figure 74. 



Of course, this plan may be modified to suit various condi- 

 tions. 



Inasmuch as the practice of soilage is quite complicated, 

 and as it is but httle used in the corn-belt, we shall confine 

 our discussion of it to these few remarks and refer the student 

 to other sources for more detailed information.^ 



In general the pasture and soiling crops may be divided 

 into two sub-classes, legumes and grasses. 



LEGUMES 



The principal legume used for pasture in the corn-belt 

 is red clover. Others of importance in the United States 

 are alfalfa, mammoth clover, white clover, alsike clover, 

 sweet clover, crimson clover, Japan clover, velvet beans, 

 peanuts, beggar weed, Canada field peas, cowpeas, soy beans, 

 and vetch. 



Red clover should be grown on every farm in the corn- 

 belt where alfalfa is not grown. Its value as a hay has 

 already been noted. As a pasture and soiling crop it is no 

 less valuable. No other clover, excepting sweet clover, 

 furnishes as much pasture in one season, and no other clover 

 is as palatable. 



The average chemical composition of red clover pasture 

 is as follows : water, 70.8 per cent ; ash, 2.1 per cent ; crude 



1 Henry and Morrison, "Feeds and Feeding," p. 264. Burkett, "First 

 Principles of Feeding Farm Animals," p. 289. Jordan, "The Feeding, of 

 Animals," p. 263. Voorhees, "Forage Crops," p. 27. Conn. (Storrs) Bui. 

 9; Reports, 1891, 1895. Maryland Bui. 98. Mass. Reports, 1887-1891, 

 1893; Bui. 72, 1.33. New Jersey Bui. 158; Report, 1902. Penn. Reports, 

 1889, 1904-1905; Bui. 65, 75, 109. Vermont Bui. 158. Wis. Report 1885; 

 Bui. 103, 235. Iowa Bui. 15, 19, 23, 27. Mich. Bui. 223. 



