MASSACHUSETTS STATE 



Agricultural Experiment Station. 



BXJLI_.ETIl<r 2>To- 11. 



SEPTEMBER, 1884. 



210. notp:s on feeding experiments with 

 corn ensilage, continued. 



(See No. 207, Bulletin No. 10.) 



The previous Bulletin contained a report of observations concern- 

 ing the effect of feeding corn ensilage, as a mere substitute for Eng- 

 lish hay, on the yield of milk and on the general conditions of three 

 cows of a corresponding milking period. The observations, as far 

 as reported on that occasion, extended over a period of from six to 

 seven weeks. The daily feed consumed was stated in each case with 

 reference to its dry vegetable matter, to prevent misconceptions re- 

 garding the actual amount contained in the daily fodder rations at 

 different stages of the experiment. The amount of dry vegetable 

 matter, actually consumed each day, was reported pound for 

 pound, in connection with a statement of the daily yield of milk 

 in pounds. A comparison of these statements showed, that the fod- 

 der, in which the corn ensilage had been largely a substitute for 

 meadow hay, had produced a larger yield of milk, — comparing the 

 amount of dry vegetable matter consumed with the yield of milk — 

 pound for pound. A continuation of these experiments, which is 

 reported in a few subsequent pages, has not altered our former con- 

 clusions regarding the influence of corn ensilage on the yield of milk. 

 The daily records during the month of, June, point strongly in th;it 

 direction. 



The addition of a liberal amount of wheat shorts (bran) to the 

 daily diet, (9th of June), has in most instances but slightly aft'ected 

 the absolute yield of milk for the better ; and has at no time changed 

 the relative proportions between dry vegetable matter and the yield 

 of milk, in favor of the former, as compared with the feeding of corn 

 ensilage alone as an essential additional constituent of the original 

 daily diet. The main benefit derived from the addition of wheat 

 shorts to the daily fodder rations, consisted evidently in the improved 

 appearance of the cows, in the improvement of the milk, and in an 

 increased value of the manure resulting. 



The important relations which exist between chemical composition 

 and general character of dry vegetable matter, and its nutritive value 

 under various circumstances, will be discussed at a later date of our 

 experiment. 



