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_.
In 106 pts. In 100 pts. Loss or
Grass. Silage. Gain.
Fat (ether extract) 3.19 6.31 +3.12
Soluble albuminous compounds 3.49 7.01 +3.52
Insoluble " " 7.91 4.42 -3.49
Mucilage 13.27 5.84 -7.43
Digestible Fiber 41.30 39.14 -2.16
Indigestible woody fiber 36.84 37.28 +0.44
------- -------
106.00 100.00
These calculations show, provided my reasoning be correct, that the
chief changes which take place are in the albuminous compounds, which
has already been pointed out by Professors Voelcker, Kinch, and
others; and in the starch, gum, mucilage, sugar, and those numerous
bodies termed extractives, which was to be expected.
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