48 SOILING CROPS AND THE SILO. 



stock, the second growth will frequently be ready to 

 cut by the time the first growth is all consumed, 

 providing the consumption of the first growth has 

 covered a period sufficiently long. This period will 

 vary, but it should not be less than three to four 

 weeks. Sorghum, therefore, from a single sowing, 

 may be made to provide soiling food in the green 

 form for live stock from six to eight weeks. But 

 during periods of severe drouth, the second cuttnig 

 may not materialize, or it may, at least, be disap- 

 pointing in its growth. When but one cutting is 

 made the harvesting may begin as soon as the seed 

 heads are fully formed, and may be continued until 

 the crop is fully matured. But when the sorghum 

 is to be fed to sheep or swine in the green form, they 

 will consume it with greater relish when cut at an 

 early stage of growth. The food is then fine in 

 character, juicy, tender and contains but little fiber. 

 When thus fed one or two more cuttings can be 

 obtained in one season because of the earlier stage 

 of development at which the sorghum is cut. But it 

 is more common to pasture sheep and swine on 

 young sorghum than to feed it to them as soil- 

 ing food. 



When but a small quantity is wanted per day, 

 the scythe is commonly used in cutting the sorghum. 

 When grown along and beside a pasture fence, 

 of necessity the scythe must be used in cutting 

 the food for convenience in feeding the same. 

 When a large amount is required the mower must 

 be used. As the plants do not shrivel readily, 

 enough may be mown at one time to last for two or 

 three days, more especially when the green food is 



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