88 FARM ANIMALS 
duced from an acre of corn put in the silo than from an 
equal area of similar corn fed when matured and cured 
and used as dry fodder and ear corn. 
Corn is the leading silage crop, although alfalfa, soy beans, clover, 
rye, and other crops may be used for the same purpose. These 
crops, however, do not keep as well in the silo as corn does. 
When crops other than corn are to be siloed, it is better to mix 
them with corn. Soy beans and corn, or alfalfa and corn, are 
excellent combinations. | Prepared in this manner, the mixture 
is better balanced and gives maximum results in the stable and 
feed lots. 
5. Roots.—In summer, if pasture is available, animals 
fare very well without silage, soiling or roots. In win- 
ter a succulent food is advis- 
able. Root crops have long 
been popular with sheep, 
cattle and horsemen and with 
breeders of valuable farm 
stock. Roots are not valued 
solely for their nutriment. 
They aid digestion and as- 
similation of dry foods and 
contribute to healthfulness. 
The leading root crops are car- 
: rots, turnips and beets. If silage 
Root Cutter is available, roots may be dispensed 
with. The cost of labor in grow- 
ing has been against their extended use in this country. One rea- 
son why roots are so satisfactory an article of food is because they 
are so completely digestible. 
6. Variety in food.—Animals are less likely to tire of 
their food if it contains several kinds of feeding stuffs. 
Farm stock are like people—they relish variety in their 
food supply. This does not mean frequent changes in 
the ration. Ifa ration is correct, animals do better if fed 
continuously upon it. Provide variety at the time of 
selecting the feed, but after the proper combination has 
