158 LIVESTOCK ON THE FARM 



they do not have the black points and have more yellow and 

 white. The Guernsey is larger and not quite so delicate as 

 the Jersey. Otherwise they are much alike. 



Ayrshire. — The Ayrshire cow comes from England. It 

 is of medium size and red and white spotted. Sometimes it 

 is nearly all white. Ayrshires are not so popular in this 

 country as the other breeds mentioned. 



THE SILO 



The silo is an appliance on the farm for preserving green 

 feeds in the succulent form. The universal feed for the silo 

 is the corn plant. 



Silo Feeds. — By this term is meant feeds that are adaptable 

 for silo filling. Mention is frequently made of clover, alfalfa 

 or other hay crops for the silo, but these feeds do not keep well 

 in a silo and can be stored much more economically in a barn 

 or shed in the form of hay. Making silage of a feed does not 

 add anything to its value. It only preserves it and in the case 

 of the corn stalk makes it more palatable. The hays, if 

 properly made are palatable, easily preserved, and are entirely 

 consumed. 



The advantages of putting corn into the silo are as follows: 

 (1) The corn stalk on account of its pithy and dry nature is 

 made more palatable. This is pressed down and moistened so 

 the cattle can eat it with a relish. (2) The tough outside part 

 of the stalk is also softened. (3) During the latter part of the 

 winter corn stover becomes dry, hard and many leaves are 

 lost. In the form of silage it is well preserved throughout 

 the winter. (4) In case of an early frost, corn can be cut and 

 put into the silo without losing leaves or loss in palatability. 

 (5) The corn is gotten off the field so this can be used for other 

 purposes and the feed is also available during bad weather in 

 winter without inconveniencing the feeder. 



The disadvantages of the silo method of feeding are as 

 follows: (1) Cost of silo and filling machinery. This should 

 also include interest, taxes, insurance, depreciation, repairs, 

 operating expenses, etc. (2) Hauling in from the field, with 

 high-priced labor at summer wages, the large amount of water 

 in green corn. Corn at this time is about 70 per cent, water. 



