The ensilage has been analyzed at three depths, or rather in three layers, the first being 1 foot, the second 1 ft. to 1 ft. 6 in., and the third 1 ft. 6 in. to 2 ft. from the bottom of the silo. By doubling the figures of the bottom layer analysis, adding these to the second and third layer analysis, and dividing by 4, we obtain a fair representation of the average composition of the silage taken throughout the silo, for by so doing we obtain the average of the analyses of each 6-inch layer of silage. The results of the analyses are as follows, calculated on the dry matter. The moisture was practically the same, being 70.48 per cent, in the grass and 72.97 in the silage.
Composition of Grass and Silage (dried at 100°C.).
| Grass. | Ensilage. | |
|---|---|---|
| Fat (ether extract) | 2.80 | 5.38 |
| Soluble albuminous compounds | 3.06 | 5.98 |
| Insoluble albuminous compounds | 6.94 | 3.77 |
| Mucilage, sugar, and extractives, etc. | 11.65 | 4.98 |
| Digestible fiber | 36.24 | 33.37 |
| Indigestible woody fiber | 32.33 | 31.79 |
| —— | —— | |
| 93.02 | 85.27 | |
| Soluble mineral matters | 5.24 | 12.62 |
| Insoluble mineral matters | 1.74 | 2.11 |
| —— | —— | |
| 100.00 | 100.00 |
The striking difference in the mineral matter of the grass and silage I will merely draw attention to; it is not due to the salt added to the silage. I may say, however, that other analysts and I myself have found similar striking differences. For instance, Prof. Kinch [2] found in grass 8.50 per cent. mineral matter, in silage 10.10 per cent., which, as be points out, is equivalent, to a "loss of about 18 per cent. of combustible constituents"—a loss which we have no proof of having taken place. In Mr. Smetham's sample the loss would have to be 50 per cent., which did not occur, and in fact is not possible. What is the explanation?
I am, however, considering now the organic constituents. Calculating the percentages of these in the grass and silage, we obtain the following figures:
Percentage Composition of Organic Compounds.
| Grass. | Ensilage. | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fat (ether extract) | 3.01 | 6.31 | |
| Soluble albuminous compounds | 8.29 | } 10.75 11.43 { | 7.01 |
| Insoluble albuminous compounds | 7.46 | 4.42 | |
| Mucilage, sugar, and extractives | 12.52 | 5.84 | |
| Digestible fiber | 38.96 | 39.14 | |
| Indigestible woody fiber | 34.76 | 37.28 | |
| ——— | ——— | ||
| 100.00 | 100.00 |
The difference in the total nitrogen in the grass and silage is equal to 0.68 per cent. of albuminoids. Practically it is a matter of impossibility that the nitrogen could have increased in the silo, and it will be a very safe premise upon which to base any further calculations that the total amount of nitrogen in the silage was identical with that in the grass. There may have been a loss, but that is not yet proved. Arguing then upon the first hypothesis, it is evident that 100 parts of the organic matters of silage represent more than 100 parts of the organic matter of grass, and by the equation we obtain 10.75:11.43 :: 100:106 approximately. If now we calculate the composition of 106 parts organic matter of grass, it will represent exactly the organic matter which has gone to form 100 parts of that present in silage.
The following table gives these results, and also the loss or gain in the various constitutents arising from the conversion into silage:
Organic Matter.