278 PRINCIPLES OF FEEDING FARM ANIMALS 



Kentucky bluegrass is the preeminent grass of the per- 

 manent pastures of the corn-belt. It is also called June 

 grass. It is not adapted to temporary pastures as several 

 seasons are required to bring it to a maximum growth. 

 However, after it once gets a good start, it will last for years 

 if properly cared for. In order to use bluegrass successfully, 

 one must have a knowledge of its habit of growth. The 

 plant begins growth early in the spring and bears seed late 

 in May or early in June. Then a dormant period of several 

 V eeks follows during which there is Httle growth. The 

 midsummer and fall rains revive the plants, and another 

 period of growth ensues, during which the plants store nu- 

 trients for the coming season's seed-bearing. Thus, one should 

 not rely upon the grass for a steady and uniform feed supply 

 throughout the entire season. It should not be stocked, 

 certainly not heavily, before May or June, although some- 

 tiaies the general practice seems to be to turn stock on pas- 

 ture early in the spring before the grass gets a start and while 

 it is still '' washy." Sometimes it is profitable not to stock 

 heavily until late summer, keeping the stock on it until 

 early winter. It should not be grazed too closely. 



The chemical composition of bluegrass is as follows : 

 water, 65.1 per cent ; ash, 2.8 per cent ; crude protein, 4.1 

 per cent; crude fiber, 9.1 per cent; nitrogen-free extract, 

 17.6 per cent; and fat, 1.3 per cent. It is the richest grass 

 in crude protein, ash, and fat. In addition to this, its pala- 

 t ability makes it relished by all classes of live stock. 



Bluegrass pastuie is almost a necessity for the successful 

 })reeding of any class of farm animals. It makes an ideal 

 ration for the mare and colt, the cow and calf, and the ewe 

 and Iamb. The sow and pigs are also greatly benefited by 



