CHAPTER LXXTI 

 THE SILO 



The Location of the Silo. In locating a silo, the matter 

 of convenience should be given first consideration. It should 

 be in direct communication with the feed alley in the barn. 

 A good location is some four to six feet from the barn and 

 joined to the feed alley by a chute extending up the entire 

 height of the silo. A door should close the passage-way 

 between the barn and the silo; and if the space be made to 

 accommodate the silage cart, it will not only make feeding 

 easier but will also provide a good place for storing the cart 

 when not in use. 



Nearly all types of modern silos are best located outside 

 of the barn. As a rule, the silo does not need the protection 

 of a building, and the barn space may be more economically 

 used for other purposes. Furthermore, an inside silo is 

 inconvenient to fill, as it is difficult to deliver the fodder to 

 the ensilage cutter unless large driveways are provided, 

 which again are not economical. The odor of silage is 

 thought objectionable by some; but when the silo is located 

 outside of the building and connected with it only by a chute, 

 this objection is overcome. 



The Size of the Silo. The modern silo is round. This 

 shape will resist the bursting pressure of the silage to the 

 best advantage and permit of a more perfect settling of the 

 silage, which is very important. A round silo has two dimen- 

 sions, diameter and height. The diameter or cross- section 

 of the silo should be determined by the size of the herd. 

 From V/2 to 2 inches of "silage should be fed from the silo 



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