Abstract
A randomized block design experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of two
contrasting silage maize hybrids (DD: dry down vs. SG: stay green) harvested at 33% dry
matter (DM) on in situ degradation and dairy cow performance. Thirty-eight Red-HF cows
were assigned to two silage treatments and individually fed. Mixtures containing one of the
maize silages, grass silage and soy bean meal (70:17:13 DM basis) were offered ad libitum.
Additionally, each cow received 7.5 kg d-1 of concentrate. Intake, milk yield and milk
composition were analysed from wk 1 until wk 15 of lactation. The treatment period was from
wk 5 to wk 15 of lactation. Pre-treatment data (wk 1 to 4) were used as covariates. In addition,
fresh silage samples were ruminally incubated to determine the rate and extent of starch and
NDF degradation. Hybrid had only little effect on in situ degradation of starch and NDF, and
no effect on the intakes of DM, NEL, starch and NDF, and the yields of milk and milk
components and body weight. It was concluded that farmers should not be concerned about
dry-down or stay green characteristics of silage maize, but should just choose hybrids with the
best yield prospects and feeding value.
| Original language | English |
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| Title of host publication | Proceedings of the 22nd General Meeting of the European Grassland Federation Biodiversity and Animal Feed Future challenges for Grassland Production, Uppsala, Sweden, 9 - 12 June, 2008 |
| Pages | 876-878 |
| Volume | 13 |
| Publication status | Published - 2008 |
| Event | Biodiversity and animal feed: future challenges for grassland production. Proceedings of the 22nd General Meeting of the European Grassland Federation, Uppsala, Sweden - Duration: 9 Jun 2008 → 12 Jun 2008 |
Conference/symposium
| Conference/symposium | Biodiversity and animal feed: future challenges for grassland production. Proceedings of the 22nd General Meeting of the European Grassland Federation, Uppsala, Sweden |
|---|---|
| Period | 9/06/08 → 12/06/08 |