The Marietta journal. [volume] (Marietta, Ga.) 1866-1909, 1895-10-24
additional freight and also an extra
charge for the mixing at the factory.

Importance as to what we shall mainly
rely upon for our winter food for cattle
In answer to this question I say with
out hesitation, ensilage. / know the
value of winter pastures Of rye, oats
barley and other grains and grasses,
and | know the value of cottonseed
meal and hulls, which have recently
become such important factors in win.
ter feeding; but without meaning te
detract from their merits, would urge
upon farmers and Others who keer
mich COWS the. Importance of erecting
and using silos. Many are deferred
from doing this by ignorance, both Of
the cost of building and of the expense
OF filling silo, and for the benefit OF
these and others, I herewith append q
few items of information on the sub
ject, which I trust will result in the
building of numerous silos in the state.
This information is taken chiefly from
a report to the department. Of agricul
ture at Washington:
LOCATION OF sILo
Should be built in reference to con.
venience of feeding the stock, conse.
quently 1t should be very near, or in OF
connected to the stables.
FORM OF sILo.
lmmaterial as regards the keeping OF
the contents, but it is cheaper and
easier to build in shape of q PARALLEL.
gram. with the sides longer than the
ends.
WALLS OBJ SILo.
II above ground, two thicknesses OF
inch boards with sheating paper be.
tween (Which some think unnecessary
will be sufficient if supported against
Lateral pressure by the ensilage.
CAPACITY OF sILo
II entirely filled with compressed en-
silage. the silo will contain 80 pounds
to the cubic foot
COVER
A layer of straw or hay on the top Of
the ensilage and then planks on top oil
that. weighted down by any heavy ma.
terial, such as stones, earth, etc. A
little space should be allowed between
the walls and cover, that the cover may
not catch on or against the wall as the
ensilage settles.
COST.
The cost of silos varies from 81 to s;
for walls of heavy masonry, to 80 cents
or less for simple wooden silos per tor
of capacity.
CROPS FOR ENsILAGE
Corn takes the lead Of ensilage crops
and when mixed with field peas make,
a very fine feed. Corn planted for en-
silage will produce from Ia to 20 ton
to the acre (58 tons has been made), ant
is at its best for ensilage when it ha
attained its full growth and befor,
ripening begins.
PREPARING CORN, PEAS, ETC, FOR TIL
SILo.
This should be done by a cutter
driven by horse power or steam, will
carriers to take the ensilage from the
cutter to the top of the silo. The corn
| pea vines, etc., should be cut fine, il
pieces not over an inch in length; i
packs closer and for this reason is ap
to keep better than coarse ensilage.
FILLING THE sILo.
During the process of filling. the en-
silage should be kept level and vel
trodden. Some attach much import
ance to rapid filling, while others max,
| it more matter of convenience. Will
the packing equally thorough, rapiC
filling is probably less.
COST OF FILLING THE sILo.
This should not exceed 81 per ton foI
labor, including the entire cost of tn,
crop
WHEN SILO SHOULD BE OPENED
The ensilage should remain unde,
pressure at least until cool, and not b.
uncovered after that until wanted
The loss by decay will be very slight
and confined to the top and sides, whera
there was more or less exposure to tn,
air
VALUE OF ENsILAGE FOR MICH COWS
AS a rule. ensilage is fed only Il
mich COWS, and it is in connection
with them that its greatest value will
be found. Many feeders consider il
equal in value to one-half of its weight
of good hay.
EFFECTS ON DAIRY PRODUCTS.
There is marked increase in ouan
tity and improvement in the quality o.
milk and butter, after changing from
dry feed to ensilage, corresponding
with the effects of a similar change tt
fresh pasture.
VALUE TO OTHER STOCK.
Ensilage has also been fed with goot
results to swine, sheep and poultry.
DAILY RATION OF ENsILAGE.
Cows giving milk are commonly fec
frem 40 to 80 pounds of ensilage day
II.