FEEDING DAIRY CATTLE 107 



For this reason a legume hay should by all means be grown 

 by he dairy farmer. The ash content is also large, which 

 is ( f importance, especially when fed with corn products 

 tha' are low in ash. 



97. Silage. It is very important that a succulent food 

 be supplied to the cow at all times. In feeding corn silage 

 it siiould be kept in mind that this of itself is not a complete 

 ration for the cow in milk, since it is relatively high in car- 

 bo hydrates and low in protein. It is usually not advisable 

 to feed over about 35 pounds to a small cow and 40 to 45 to 

 a large one. It is not advisable to feed it as the only 

 roughage. Some hay should be given. For this purpose 

 the legumes are best adapted, on account of their high 

 protein and ash content. 



98. Corn. Over the greater part of America, corn is the 

 cheapest grain. In the corn belt this valuable grain is often 

 fed to excess. On the other hand, some dairymen do not 

 feed any of it, on account of the erroneous idea that it is not 

 suited for milk production. Corn may be fed in reasonable 

 quantities to any class of animals on the farm. It is es- 

 pecially palatable for the cow in milk. However, it should 

 not be the only grain feed. Corn is low in protein and 

 ash content. If combined with corn stover, corn silage or 

 timothy hay for roughage, the protein content is entirely 

 too low for a dairy ration. Corn silage and ground corn 

 combined with clover or alfalfa hay and bran, however, 

 makes a good ration for general feeding. 



99. Wheat Bran. Next to corn, wheat bran is the most 

 important cow feed of this country. Its great value as a 

 food for growing animals and cows in milk comes from the 

 high ash and protein content. Its light, loose character 

 also makes it a valuable addition to a heavy ration in the way 



