CHAPTER VII. 



FEEDING SILAGE. 



When silage has been properly covered in the 

 silo, the waste from decay on the surface of the same 

 should not extend downward more than a few 

 inches. When not covered at all, the spoiled silage 

 will extend downward at least a foot and in some in- 

 stances to a distance considerably greater. After 

 a time, decay below the surface practically ceases, 

 hence subsequently there is but little further loss 

 from this source, though the opening of the silo 

 should be delayed for months after it has been filled. 

 The silage also retains more or less heat for many 

 months and this is favorable to feeding the same in 

 cold weather. 



When the Feeding May Begin. — The feeding 

 of silage may be commenced the same day that the 

 filling of the silo has been completed. When feeding 

 begins thus early, there is naturally no loss of silage 

 from decay, providing a considerable quantity of the 

 silage thus removed from day to day. The .\uthor 

 has fed silage from the silo in this way and with 

 results completely satisfactory. But it is not usual 

 to begin feeding silage so soon after the silo has 

 been filled, for the reason that other green food can 

 be had that is more perishable in character. 



Feed from the Top Doivnivard. — In feeding 

 silage it is indispensable that the silo shall be opened 



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