ENSILING 29 



nutrients, the secret of successful haymaking is to withdraw 

 the water so uniformly from the leaves and stems that the 

 leaves may not be lost. 



Since heating will cause a loss of its feeding value, early 

 picked corn and grain threshed out of the shock, or from 

 stacks, before sweating has taken place, should be care- 

 fully watched to prevent heating. 



Ensiling. — Ensiling is the storing of crops as soon as they 

 are cut in air-tight receptacles called silos. This method 

 reduces the losses to a minimum. Ensiling preserves the 

 entire plant without loss of water, thus producing a succulent 

 feeding stuff. The chemical changes which take place in 

 the silo make the feed more pleasing to the taste. These 

 qualities give the ensiled crop a decided advantage over 

 dried crops. The silo extends the conditions of summer 

 feeding throughout the year. This is one of the strong 

 points in favor of silage as a feed for producing both milk 

 and beef. 



Preparation of Feeding Stuffs. — In general, the less 

 preparation made of feeding stuffs, the more economical the 

 feeding process. However, the value of the feeding stuff 

 may sometimes be increased by cutting, grinding, or soaking. 

 Cutting. — Hay or straw for horses and cattle is often 

 improved by cutting it in lengths of 2 or 3 inches. This 

 may be mixed and fed with a grain ration. In this way the 

 value of the hay is apparently increased because the animals 

 eat it with greater relish, and the grain goes further because 

 it is better masticated by the animal. Shredding corn 

 stover does not increase its feeding value but it reduces the 

 stover to a form that is more easily stored, handled, and fed. 

 The waste makes good bedding, is an excellent absorbent of 

 liquid manure, and is easily appHed to the soil. 



