64 ILLINOIS STATE DAIRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION. 



chemists' analysis and feeding experiments, why should we not allow a 

 similar basis of value on the various plants available for the silo. They 

 have been as well analyzed and tested by feeding experiments. Their 

 comparative food values are allowed everywhere except as ensilage. 



In growing a crop for the silo, then a comparison of the feeding value 

 should be considered first. As protein is the most essential and indis- 

 pensable compound, the plant having the highest per cent of it, other 

 conditions being equal, is the one to select. 



A brief description of some plants will come in here. Corn is the 

 staple farm crop, because its seed is cheap. Its cultivation and harvest- 

 ing are well known. But it must be cut just at the right stage for the 

 sflo; then it is a good keeper. But it requires a large amount of high» 

 priced concentral grain to balance the ration. One acre yielding ten 

 tons has 260 pounds of protein. (Government Cattle Book, Prof. Henry.) 



Sorghum drilled like wheat, one bushel to the acre, will yield twenty 

 tons to ten of corn. Requires no cultivation, so is a cheap crop to grow. 

 Planted from May to July loth; cut for ensilage from ten days before 

 heading until beards are ripe. So it mixes well with other crops in fill- 

 ing the silo. The sacharine matter makes it an appetizer. It is a good 

 keeper, but low in the percentage of protein; takes richer grain than 

 corn to balance. One acre yielding twenty tons has 240 pounds protein. 



Cow peas, seed one bushel to the acre. They can also be grown 

 without cultivation, but better with it. Have a high percentage of pro- 

 tein. But their large percentage of water requires mixing with other 

 plants to insure good silage. One acre yielding eight tons would have 

 268 pounds protein. 



Soja beans, seed one-half bushel to an acre. Plant early as corn, 

 cultivate the same. The thick epiderrais and hairy covering of its leaves 

 makes it one of the best drought resisters, and is free from insect pest in 

 plant and seed. One acre yielding twelve tons would have 6'69 pounds 

 protein. (Bulletin 22 U. S.) Thus one acre of the above silo crops gives 

 us the comparative jield in digestible protein: Corn, 260 pounds; sor- 

 ghum, 240 pounds; cow peas, 268 pounds; soja beans, 669 pounds. 



