The daily star-mirror. (Moscow, Idaho) 1911-1939, 1920-07-16
VALUE Of S|LAGE
FOR DAIRY CATTLE
NEED OF SUCCULENT FEED IN
WINTER MONTHS Is EXPLAIN
ED-GET MORE MILK

(By F. R. Cammack, Field Dairyman,
University of Idaho Extension Di-
vision
The need for a succulent winter feed
was first realized something over 25
years ago by the dairymen, and ex-
periments proved conclusiyely that the
corn plant properly stored would pro-
duce the desired results. Methods, ma
terials and uses have been greatly
changed since then, but dairymen are
still the greatest advocates and users
of silage. Sheep, beef cattle and other
types of live stock have utilized 1t
successfully, but dairymen are and
will continue to be it's staunchest adj
vocates
Experiments shave shown that use
of silage accomplishes the following
results: cheapens the cost of the IA
ton fed increases the production of
milk; and improves the nealth and
condition" of cattle. There are sew
eral minor results and advantages.
such as permitting the feeding OF more
ioughage and less concentrates, en-
cOuraging the growing of the ration
on the home farm, making possible
a better crop rotation, helping solve
the alfalfa weevil problem, increasing
the profits by whetting the cows APP
petite, etc.
The cheapening of the ration is es-
pecially noteworthy, because much
larger yields can be grown and be-
cause it can be substituted for higher
priced feeds. When it is possible to
grow from Is to % tons (and more)
of succulent feed such rs silage, and
when a ton of silage will replace half
a. f0v of nj c
that it cheapens the cost Of ration. 1t
is usually conceded that the average
yield is about four times that of alf
alta hay, with a feeding value of about
one-half as much.
In addition, as noted in the second
point, silage increases the flow of
milk. The average increase of milk
flow as given by practical dairymen
in Idaho is about 20 per cent. By
this | mean that where hay is fed
and then about one half the hay
needed is replaced by silage 1.-TWO
pounds of silage to one pound of
hay) the result will be an increase CT
rem 20 t. 25 percent in milk pro-
duction, from the average COW.
Where a balanced ration has been fed
the results may not be SO great, but
in virtually all cases an increase is
shown in the amount of milk with the
test remaining practically constant |
(within the usual variation).
The third point (of keeping cow
in healthy although less apparent is
also of considerable Importance Sill
age has a laxative effect and keeps
the general health of the cattle con-
better. Instances are
recorded where men have had
trouble of losing cattle with impac
ton before feeding silage and then
have found this trouble removed
after feeding silage. Some men
also claim that cattle bloat less easily
and less severely on alfalfa pasture
when they are fed ensilage, although
this result may not always be relied
Upon absolutely. Silage certainly is
a conditioner, however, and cattle
usually have a much sleeker appear
ance and are more easily kept in con-
lition when it is fed to them.
Statements above made refer to
,ilage in general and apply to a
yariety Of feeds put up in green
usually compared to pick
ing or canning of vegetables. The
eeds most commonly used are corn,
sorghums, small grains,