VALUE OF SILAGE 



397 



WATER FREE ST^BSTANCE OF GREEN CORN AND THE SILAGE MADE 



THEREFROM. 



The following table, also taken from Henry's "Feeds and Feeding", 

 shows relative losses of dry matter in silage and corn fodder: 



It will be noted from the above table that the losses are about 

 equal in the silage and corn fodder. 



The silage loss includes that waste found in the top layer. This 

 loss may be largely prevented by spreading green grass, wet chaff, or 

 other covering over the top of the silage. Professor King says on this 

 point, that after four years' experience, he is convinced that the total 

 losses minus those found on the top and bottom may not exceed lo 

 per cent. 



In the above case the fodder was analyzed in early winter. The 

 loss in the fodder would increase, the longer it stood and the wetter 

 and more unfavorable weather to which it was exposed. On the other 

 hand, the maximum loss of silage is reached within a short time after 

 siloing. 



VALUE OF SILAGE. In Milk Production. Silage is not a con- 

 centrated food stuff. Its value lies in being a roughage in supplying 

 succulence. The dairy districts have found silage indispensable for 

 winter feed. The Ohio Station conducted an experiment to determine 

 the relative value of beets and silage in milk production. This test 

 was carried on for four years and showed a gain in milk production 

 of 6 per cent per loo pounds of dry matter fed, in favor of the silage 

 rations. Pennsylvania found a similar gain of 5 per cent. The pro- 



*Large shocks. 15.1 per cent for small shocks. 



