PEA STRAW AS FODDER.

Otago Witness, Issue 1945, 4 June 1891, Page 6

PEA STRAW AS FODDER.

In these days, when matters relating to dairying are bo constantly being discussed, it seems very strange that the value of pea straw or pea- haulm is not more frequently referred to, for it is perhaps the best of all coarse food for dairy oows. Those who combine pea-grow-ing with dairying— that is, those who farm mixed farms, and are thus able to carry on an all-round system of management — are aware of the great value whiob pea haulm possesses ; but those who do not grow peas are, as a rule, unaware what a valuable milk-producing food is lost to them. In our own experience we have found nothing which produces such goodflavoured or well ooloured butter in winter as pea straw. If there were more butter competitions in winter the value of pea straw would be soon realised, but as a rule these competitions are made while cows are on the grass, so the clever winter feeder gains none of tbe special advantages in public which he deserves ; and the practical value of several articles of food is not ascertained and generally

made public. It mußt be remembered that in matters conneoted with feeding and manuring there is generally some particular property not shown by analysis which renders a food or manure more or leas valuable for particular purposes. Pea straw is one of these foods, and we strongly recommend those who wish to achieve a good reputation for the choicest wmtor butter never to miss an opportunity of Using bright pea straw when it presents itself. It is a very common expression among those who, are acquainted with the value of pea stiaw for feeding that they would rather consume pea straw than moderate meadow hay on their farms. Hay assists the colour of butter very little, if any, and does very little towards producing the " nutty *' flavour bo much relished by good judges of butter ; but pea straw does produce these good effects. When in addition to this the , feeding -value is recognised by farmers; it is strange that there is not a special demand for the straw. It is proboble, however, that those who grow the straw are too well acquainted with its value to part with it. In support of farmers who state from their experience that they find its feeding value bo great, the following analysis, taken from "Kensington's Analysis of Foods," may be quoted :—

These show the pea straw favourably as compared with the sample of hay analysed, for the hay was first dried at 2l2deg, which was not the ease With the straw. The other kinds of straw are quite outclassed* and the superior value of the pea straw is most easily discernible.

The question might naturally arise, Why is there not more pea straw grown ? The answer is that tbe crop, aa a corn crop, is very preoarious, and farmers prefer to buy cake to grow- , ing tbe peas. Some of the mOBt intelligent Norwegian dairy farmers are aware of the Value of the straw for dairying purposes, and grow the crop to ensure having the straw, while others are afraid to risk it. A very heavy crop of peas has been grown in this country, and good pea straw should be more plentiful than for Beveral years. There ia a large stock of hay in the oountry, but on- ' fortunately it is to a great extent very much washed out ani inferior, and those who wish to purchase coarse food would be wise if they buy good pea straw in preference to it. For dairy purposes it is decidedly prefarable. — Mark Lane Expresa.

w a « o i so 13-33 1 13*70 1 Moisture ... Albuminous compounds, &o. , (Containing nitrogen)... Sugar, gam, &c. „. Mineral matter ... Oil. fatty matter 9-8 48 09 7 24 2-93 •47 23-7 3-08 1-74 271 •64 38-87 2 66 1-69 16 02 B'B6 141 25-06 4 93 3*34 — I