Feeding Value of Silage

Abstract

FARMERS must be able to judge the feeding value of their silage, and to meet this need the Ministry of Agriculture has issued Bulletin No. 50 in the “Grow-more” series. High-quality silage is a cake substitute and can only be obtained from the right crop, cut at the right time and properly ensiled. The colour, smell, texture and dry-matter content of material in this category are described, and recommendations given as to the rate at which it should be fed. If any of the requisite conditions is not fulfilled, the silage can only be used to replace hay, roots, or oat straw. The value of such material varies considerably according to the type of crop from which it is made, or to the conditions during ensiling, but suggestions are given as to the rationing of several of the low-protein silages. For the less experienced farmer, a useful table is included, in which the common faults in silage, their cause and the appropriate remedy are described, and if still further information is desired, application can be made to the county agricultural organizer.