CHAPTER XIII 

 FOOD FOR MILCH COWS IN WINTER 



In the discussion of this question the following 

 points will be considered: (i) The nature and kinds 

 of fodder fed; (2) Nature and kind of succulence given; 

 (3) Nature and kind of concentrates used; (4) Amount 

 of concentrates to feed; (5) Preparing and blending 

 the foods for feeding; and (6) Most suitable winter 

 rations fed in the various localities viewed from the 

 standpoints of economy and effectiveness. 



Fodders for feeding. — It would seem correct to say 

 that, viewed from the standpoint of suitability, hay from 

 the legumes alone or blended with some of the grasses, 

 stands first in suitability for milk production ; that after 

 these come certain grain fodders ; next in order are 

 fodders from corn and the sorghums; after these is hay 

 from the grasses and millet, and lowest in suitability is 

 straw of the small cereals. Viewed from the standpoint 

 of economy only, the above order may not hold good 

 in all instances, owing to the abundant relative produc- 

 tion of corn and the sorghums. 



That legumes stand highest among fodders in suit- 

 ability for milk production cannot be gainsaid. The 

 question as to whether alfalfa, the clovers proper, cow- 

 peas, soy beans, and vetches will produce the largest 

 milk yields when fed as the sole fodder, has not been 

 fully determined, but that alone, of course, should not 

 determine which of these shall be fed. The determining 

 factor is the ready adaptation to the conditions for grow- 

 ing and curing them, and the relatively low cost at which 

 they may be furnished. Viewed from these standpoints, 

 alfalfa will take first rank where it will grow well on 

 UTi|fated land^ owing to the number of cuttings ob- 



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