The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1881-02-25
Sr10S AND ENSTLAGE.


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STLOS AND ENSTLAGF.
These two words have a strange
sound, but they are sure to find their
way into the next dictionary, and be-
come duly Americanized. The signif-
canoe of the words is canning green
corn-fodder by wholesale process for
| feeding COWS in winter. This Silo is
pit, or enormous can, capable of hold.
ing any required quantity of fodder.
The ensilage is the preserved material.
This subject was largely discussed at
the dairymen's meeting in GAINESVILLE.
It is claimed that, by the use OF this
process, from two to six times more
COWS can be kept on the same area than
can be kept by any other system
Thousands Of farmers have learned by
experience the great value Of green
corn fodder for summer use and its
value, when cured, for winter use. we
have grown it for more than ten years,
for summer and fall feeding, and usu-
ally have a good supply left over, which
is cured and fed in winter. In this
way we can keep double the number of
COWS on the same pasture. While the
stalks remain green and succulent the
COWS eat the entire stalk. After the
small ears, which are produced on the
fodder, commence to ripen and the
stalk hardens the COWS leave the butts,
and as it gets ripper and the stalks
harder only the leaves and top Of the
stalks is eaten. The weight of corn
fodder that can be grown on an acre is
simply immense. Those who have
made an estimate claim from 80 to 90
tons per acre, the large estimate being
produced on very rich land and by the
use of southern horse-tooth dent which
grew II to II feet high. It must be
remembered that of each hundred
pounds Of green corn fodder eighty-five
pounds are water. And herein is one
of the secrets of its value. The ele-
mentS of nutrition in the corn fodder
are held in that diluent condition found
in the fresh succulent grass of June,
and are all instantly utilized by the
animal. Do not let the large amount
of water in a green stalk prejudice the
mind against its value; good beef
steak contains about the same proper
ton Of water. The stalk is sweetest
and contains the largest amount of nu-
triment while the corn ear is develop
ing and before the covering Of the
stalk hardens and grows woody.
This period lasts 10 to Is days,
giving time to cut and store the corn
fodder while at its greatest value.
Every one knows the value of canned
fruits in the winter season, available
with all the freshness and aroma of the
growing season. Canned corn fodder
is equally as valuable and desirable for
the winter mich COW. Fruits are pre-
served by the exclusion Of air from the
Garland the same principle is used in
preserving green corn fodder. The
fodder is cut by power into small
pieces and is pressed so firmly that the
air is perfectly excluded. A very slight
fermentation takes place while it is be-
ing stored and then like cider IN a SIM
liar condition it remains in the same
state as long as excluded from the air.
We examined sample at the Farmers
Convention at Madison, and 1t tasted
as pleasant as ii just from the field
It was stated that a cubic foot would
weigh so pounds, and cow would con-
sumo 100 pounds per day. Green corn
fodder does not contain all the ele-
ments of nutrition IN proper proportion
and they must be supplied by corr
AhCttIy UtdFti Oit-CthC LlCttiJ clCs ! uC
statement was made that one acre pro-
duclng so tons of corn fodder would
keep two cows one year. supplemented
by daily rations of ground feed, while
the cows were in milk. The question |
of cost is of Importance and can only |
be answered By those having practical
experience. Several farmers in the |
eastern states and some in the west
have had silos in practical use for some
years. Some estimate the cost of grow
ing and putting in the silo at one dol
lar per ton. Others estimate the cost
of cutting and putting in the silo at
So to 80 cents per ton. The next report
of the transactions Of the State Agri-
cultural society will contain a paper
read at the Farmers convention BIZ
Hon. j. c. Sloan, giving large amount
of valuable information gathered by
him from various sources. DR.. Wicks,
of Sammit, Waukesha county, who
keeps dairy of forty cows, has silo
In practical use 4 visit there would