152 ILLINOIS STATE DAIRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION 



better than that of corn. It contains very little more protein and 

 should take about the same place as corn in rations. Barley 

 contains about one-eighth less digestible nutrients per ton than 

 corn, and it will probably not pay to attempt to grow it in the 

 southern part of the state. 



Bmmer. — This grain is also called "speltz" and may be 

 classed with barley as a feed for dairy cows. Pound for pound 

 it is inferior to corn and probably a little inferior to barley. It 

 is not advisable to grow it generally unless larger yields can be 

 obtained than can be obtained from barley. 



Soybean. — This bean may become a profitable crop for 

 dairymen in the future. It does not yield as heavily per acre as 

 the feeds mentioned above but it contains a high percentage of 

 protein and can be fed safely in quantities not greater than three 

 pounds per cow per day. If used in larger quantities, it may 

 taint the milk. It will only be advisable to produce the soy- 

 bean when the cost of production is less per ton than the cost per 

 ion of linseed meal. It can be used to replace linseed meal, cot- 

 ton-seed meal, bran, etc., in rations. 



Roughage. 



Stover and Fodder Corn. — Besides supplying the cheapest 

 grain, corn also supplies a large amount of roughage in the 

 form of corn stover (stalk without ears). When properly 

 cured it can be used to good advantage, tho it is not so valuable 

 as some of the other roughages, but, since it must be grown to 

 produce the grain, it is worth saving. When fed as fodder corn 

 (with the ears) a large amount of roughage is supplied. This 

 may be done to good advantage under certain conditions, but it 

 is not to be recommended generally. When so fed, it should be 

 planted thickly so that only small ears develop. In most cases 

 it is better to grind the grain and feed it separated from the 

 stalks. In the form of silage, which is discussed later, corn 

 furnishes a good deal of roughage. In whatever form used the 

 corn plant lacks protein. 



Clover. — The common red clover makes one of the best 



