A COMPARISON OF TWO METHODS OF COMBINING ALFALFA CUBES WITH CORN SILAGE FED TO LACTATING COWS

1977 ◽  
Vol 57 (3) ◽  
pp. 559-565
Author(s):  
L. J. FISHER
Keyword(s):  
Milk Yield ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Protein Digestibility ◽  
Corn Silage ◽  
Feeding Time ◽  
Plasma Urea ◽  
Lactating Cows ◽  
Fat Yield ◽  
Changeover Period ◽  
Feeding Systems

Sixteen Holstein cows in early lactation were assigned to a switch-back experiment consisting of two experimental periods 35 days in length separated by a 7-day changeover period. Treatments consisted of two feeding systems, alfalfa cubes ensiled with corn silage or alfalfa cubes fed with the corn silage. When cows were fed corn–alfalfa cube silage they consumed more forage, 2.26 vs. 2.16% of body weight per cow per day than when they were fed the alfalfa cubes with the silage. Fat-corrected milk yield was somewhat higher, 25.4 vs. 24.0 kg/day; fat percent and fat yield were greater, 3.13 vs. 2.70% and 918 vs. 814 g/day for corn–alfalfa cube silage as compared to cubes added at feeding time. However, milk yield was greater, 29.9 vs. 29.1 kg/day, and milk lactose percent was greater, 5.26 vs. 5.18% for cows fed cubes at feeding time compared to cows fed corn–alfalfa cube silage. There was no difference between feeding systems in blood minerals or metabolites with the exception of plasma urea nitrogen which was higher, 20.2 vs. 17.2 mg %, for the alfalfa cubes fed with the corn silage. Apparent dry matter and protein digestibility for the total ration were 68.1 and 71.6% when corn alfalfa cube silage was fed compared to 65.4 and 68.5% when the cubes were fed with the corn silage (P < 0.05). It was concluded from this study that alfalfa cubes ensiled with corn silage was an effective method of increasing the dry matter and protein content of corn silage and in improving the digestibility of the total ration.

VOLUNTARY INTAKE OF SHREDDED NEWSPRINT BY DAIRY COWS

1982 ◽  
Vol 62 (3) ◽  
pp. 799-806 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. G. GRIEVE ◽  
J. H. BURTON ◽  
H. E. BRAUN ◽  
R. FRANK
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Corn Silage ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Feeding Time ◽  
High Moisture ◽  
Lactating Cows ◽  
Voluntary Intake

Shredded newsprint is a potential source of bedding for livestock, but because it may contain certain heavy metals and polychlorinated biphenyls significant voluntary consumption of newsprint by animals would be undesirable. To determine consumption levels, 18 Holstein cows in mid-lactation (average 19 wk) were used in a double latin square design. Squares represented access to shredded newsprint or chopped hay in the feed manger except during feeding time. Within squares, cows were allotted to each of three complete mixed rations over three 6-wk treatment periods. Rations comprised hay crop silage, corn silage, high moisture grain corn and soybean meal with roughage:concentrate ratios of 30:70 (LR), 50:50 (MR) and 70:30 (HR). Mixed rations were fed according to individual cow requirements for energy depending on body weight, milk yield and milk fat percent. Cows were allowed 4 h after each of two feedings per day to consume their allotted mixed ration. Voluntary consumption of newsprint was only 0.3 kg per cow per day or 2% of total dry matter intake while for those offered hay consumption was 2.6 kg∙cow−1∙day−1 or 15% of total dry matter intake. Intakes of mixed rations were unaffected by roughage:concentrate ratio or newsprint versus hay. However, total dry matter consumption (mixed ration plus newsprint or hay) was higher for cows offered hay (17.3 kg∙cow−1∙day−1) than for those offered newsprint (15.1 kg∙cow−1∙day−1). Levels of heavy metals in milk or blood samples of cows with access to newsprint were within normally accepted ranges. PCBs were at undetectable levels in all cases. Bedding cows with newsprint is unlikely to result in significant consumption or contamination of animals or their products. Key words: Lactating cows, newsprint consumption, heavy metals

scholarly journals Nutritional evaluation of ensilage made from intercropped corn and sunflowers

1993 ◽  
Vol 73 (3) ◽  
pp. 539-545 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. J. Fisher ◽  
S. Bittman ◽  
Z. Mir ◽  
P. Mir ◽  
J. A. Shelford
Keyword(s):  
Milk Yield ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Volatile Fatty Acids ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Milk Composition ◽  
Corn Silage ◽  
Plasma Metabolites ◽  
Plasma Urea ◽  
Lactating Cows ◽  
Rumen Ph

The feeding value of sunflower–corn silage relative to that of corn silage as the only forage fed lactating cows was established using 12 lactating Holstein cows in an experiment with a 2 × 2 Latin square design. Treatment periods were 5 wk and there was no changeover period between treatments. A constant grain intake to milk yield ratio of 1:4 was maintained. The comparison was based on dry matter (DM) intake, milk yield and composition, body-weight change, rumen pH and molar proportions of volatile fatty acids and plasma metabolites. The sunflower–corn silage was lower in DM content (25.4 vs. 29.2%), but higher in protein (11.5 vs. 8.0%), acid detergent fiber (33.2 vs. 29.2%), fat (8.1 vs. 2.1%) and total ash (10.6 vs. 4.9%). Silage DM intake was the same for both silages, but milk yield was significantly greater (P < 0.05) (32.7 vs. 31.2 kg d−1) for cows fed sunflower–corn silage. However, both milk fat (3.19 vs. 3.87%) and milk protein (3.04 vs. 3.26%) were lower (P < 0.05) for cows fed sunflower–corn silage, resulting in a higher (P < 0.05) fat-corrected milk yield (30.5 vs. 28.4 kg d−1) for the cows fed corn silage. Type of silage fed did not alter rumen pH, but the molar percentage of acetic acid was higher (P < 0.05) and the molar percentages of isovaleric and valeric acids were lower when sunflower–corn silage was fed. The feeding of sunflower–corn silage resulted in a significant increase (P < 0.05) in plasma urea nitrogen (10.60 vs. 7.53 mg 100−1), cholesterol (7.36 vs. 5.63 mmol L−1) and triglyceride (0.20 vs. 0.18 mmol L−1). Plasma levels of methionine (29.9 vs. 18.5 mmol mL−1) and valine (208.0 vs. 191.0 N mol mL−1) were greater for cows fed the sunflower–corn silage. It was concluded from this study that intercropped sunflower–corn harvested and preserved as silage is an acceptable source of forage for lactating cows, but when fed as the only source of forage it may have a negative impact on milk composition. Key words: lactating cows, sunflower–corn silage, milk yield, milk composition

scholarly journals AN EVALUATION OF STEAM-TREATED ASPEN AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR CORN SILAGE IN THE RATIONS OF LACTATING COWS

1980 ◽  
Vol 60 (2) ◽  
pp. 379-384
Author(s):  
L. J. FISHER
Keyword(s):  
Acetic Acid ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Rumen Fluid ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Corn Silage ◽  
Lactating Cows ◽  
Milk Protein Content ◽  
Forage Mixtures

Fifteen lactating Holsteins were used to test processed aspen added to corn silage at the levels of 0, 10 and 20% (dry matter basis). The experiment was designed as a latin square with three experimental periods each 42 days in length. The forage mixtures were fed free choice to the cows, which were housed in a free-stall barn, and their individual feed intakes were recorded by using electronic doors. The processed aspen contained 45.4% dry matter, 73.7% acid detergent fiber and 0.54% protein. There was no evidence of heating or mold growth in the aspen during the 5 mo of the trial. Silage dry matter intake and milk yield were 11.8, 13.4 and 13.4 and 25.7, 27.0 and 26.8 kg per day, respectively, for the silage mixtures containing 0, 10 and 20% processed aspen. Fat test was decreased slightly and milk protein content significantly (P < 0.05) depressed by the addition of 20% processed aspen chips to the corn silage. Efficiency of milk yield was not significantly influenced (P > 0.05) by the inclusion of aspen chips in the silage. Neither the molar proportion of acetic acid nor the ratio of acetic acid to propionic acid in the rumen fluid was changed when the cows were fed silage containing processed aspen chips. The apparent digestibilities of total ration dry matter and protein were lowered significantly by the addition of 10% aspen chips to the forage mixture. It was concluded from the results of this trial that steam-processed aspen chips had little nutritive value when fed to lactating cows as a partial substitute for corn silage.

THE INVESTIGATION OF SODIUM BICARBONATE OR BENTONITE AS SUPPLEMENTS IN SILAGES FED TO LACTATING COWS

1983 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
pp. 939-947 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. J. FISHER ◽  
V. G. MACKAY
Keyword(s):  
Sodium Bicarbonate ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Volatile Fatty Acids ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Corn Silage ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Grass Silage ◽  
Lactating Cows

Two experiments with lactating Holsteins were carried out to determine the effectiveness of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) or bentonite, added to silage prior to feeding, as a means of increasing dry matter intake. In the first trials the feed, consisting of 10% grain mixture, 45% grass silage and 45% corn silage, was supplemented with 0, 0.6 or 1.2% bentonite in a 3 × 3 latin square utilizing 12 cows and 28-day test periods. Neither level of bentonite improved dry matter intake or milk yield. Milk composition, molar proportions of rumen volatile fatty acids, plasma calcium and phosphorus were not influenced by additions of bentonite. Apparent dry matter digestibility was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) by the addition of bentonite at the 0.6 and 1.2% levels compared to the cows fed the unsupplemented ration. The digestibility of acid detergent fiber was lower (P < 0.05) for cows fed the silage mixture supplemented with 1.2% bentonite than for the controls. In the second trial a silage mixture consisting of approximately 30% grass silage and 70% corn silage was supplemented with either 0.8% NaHCO3, 2.1% bentonite or neither and fed in a 3 × 3 latin square utilizing 15 cows and 28-day treatment periods. Compared to control cows, neither NaHCO3 nor bentonite had any significant (P > 0.05) influence on dry matter intake, milk yield or rumen fermentation. However, the addition of NaHCO3 to the silage improved milk yield and feed conversion (P < 0.05) when compared to cows fed the silage supplemented with bentonite. It was concluded from these trials that bentonite should not be used as a supplement to silage diets fed to lactating cows. The results suggested that NaHCO3 supplementation had little if any beneficial effect when grass silage made up approximately 30% of the total diet. Key words: NaHCO3, bentonite, lactating cows, silage intake, digestibility

EVALUATION OF CORN AND SORGHUM-SUDAN SILAGES ON THE BASIS OF DRY MATTER INTAKE, DIGESTIBILITY AND MILK PRODUCTION

1968 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 431-435
Author(s):  
L. J. Fisher
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Energy Content ◽  
Rumen Fluid ◽  
Total Body Weight ◽  
Protein Digestibility ◽  
Corn Silage ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Lactating Cows ◽  
Daily Milk Production

Sorghum-sudan (S-S) silage and corn silage were compared on the basis of dry matter intake and milk production when fed to lactating cows and on the basis of digestibility when fed to wether Iambs. Although dry matter percent was lower for the S-S silage, 21.5 vs. 27.4, average daily dry matter intake was nearly the same, 63.4 vs. 64.4 g/kg W0.75 when compared with corn silage. Average daily milk production and total body weight change were significantly less (P < 0.05), 218.7 vs. 234.4 g/kg W0.75 and − 7.0 vs. + 10.7 kg, respectively, for cows fed S-S silage. Rumen fluid from cows fed corn silage contained a significantly lower molar percent acetic acid and higher butyric acid (P < 0.01) than rumen fluid from cows fed S-S silage. Digestibility coefficients were greater (P < 0.01) for corn silage dry matter, nitrogen-free extract, fiber and energy, but significantly less for protein (P < 0.01) when compared with S-S silage. The high nitrogen content and protein digestibility suggest that sorghum-sudan hybrids may be usefully employed in ruminant rations, although they are low in digestible energy content when compared with corn.

INTAKE AND DIGESTIBILITY OF CORN, RYE AND SORGHUM-SUDAN GRASS SILAGES BY LACTATING COWS

1987 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  
pp. 1027-1032 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. J. FISHER ◽  
J. R. LESSARD
Keyword(s):  
Milk Yield ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Milk Protein ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Corn Silage ◽  
Acid Detergent Fiber ◽  
Sudan Grass ◽  
Grass Silage ◽  
Lactating Cows ◽  
Lactating Dairy Cows

Eighteen lactating Holsteins were utilized in a 3 × 3 Latin square (49 d treatment−1) for a comparative estimation of the intake and digestibility of corn, rye and sorghum-sudan grass silages. The dry matter (DM), protein and acid detergent fiber contents were 32.5, 8.0, 27.0; 25.2, 8.7, 45.6 and 22.4, 10.6, 40.7 percent for corn, rye, and sorghum-sudan silages, respectively. Dry matter intake of the silage and milk yield were less (P < 0.05) for cows fed rye silage compared to those fed corn and sorghum-sudan grass silage. Cows lost body weight when fed rye silage but gained weight when fed either corn or sorghum-sudan grass silage. The feeding of rye silage resulted in a decrease (P < 0.05) in milk protein percent compared to the feeding of corn or sorghum-sudan silage and in the percentage of milk lactose compared to the feeding of sorghum-sudan grass silage. Molar proportions of rumen acetate were higher (P < 0.05) when cows were fed either rye or sorghum-sudan silage compared to corn silage. Cows fed rye silage had higher molar proportions of rumen propionate and valerate and lower levels of butyrate (P < 0.05) compared to cows consuming sorghum-sudan silage. The digestibility of total ration DM was lower (P < 0.05) when either rye or sorghum-sudan silage was the forage portion of the ration compared to corn. It was concluded from this trial that sorghum-sudan silage provided a suitable source of forage for lactating dairy cows. However, the DM intake and milk yield of cows fed rye silage was less than satisfactory. Key words: Dairy cattle, rye, sorghum-sudan, silage, intake, digestibility

EVALUATION OF WHOLE CROP OAT SILAGE AS A BASAL FORAGE FOR LACTATING COWS

1974 ◽  
Vol 54 (2) ◽  
pp. 169-175 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. J. FISHER ◽  
J. R. LESSARD ◽  
G. A. LODGE
Keyword(s):  
Milk Yield ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Milk Protein ◽  
Rumen Fluid ◽  
Corn Silage ◽  
Dietary Energy ◽  
Lactating Cows ◽  
Molar Percent ◽  
Dough Stage

Corn silage ensiled at 33% dry matter (DM) (Treatment CS); oats harvested at the milk stage of maturity and ensiled with oat grain (Treatment OG); oats harvested at the milk stage of maturity and wilted prior to ensiling (Treatment OM) and oats harvested at the soft dough stage of maturity and ensiled (Treatment OSD) were fed to each of 16 lactating cows during four successive 49-day periods, according to a switchback design. The silages as fed contained 34.5, 34.2, 31.9 and 36.6% dry matter (DM) and 8.6, 14.0, 14.4 and 10.5% protein for Treatments CS, OG, OM, and OSD, respectively. Forage dry matter (DM) intake was significantly greater (P < 0.01) on Treatment OG than on CS, and significantly less (P < 0.01) on Treatment OM than on either CS, OG or OSD. Milk yield was significantly higher (P < 0.05) on Treatment OG than on OM. Milk protein percent was higher (P < 0.05) on Treatment CS than on OSD, and lactose percent was lower (P < 0.01) on Treatment CS than on OG. There was no significant effect (P > 0.05) of treatment on the acetate:propionate ratio in the rumen fluid. However, molar percent of rumen butyrate was significantly (P < 0.05) lower on Treatment OM than on either CS or OG. The apparent digestibilities of silage DM were 58.6, 58.0, 60.8, and 52.9, and of silage crude protein were 43.3, 65.3, 63.8, and 55.0 for Treatments CS, OG, OM, and OSD, respectively. Efficiencies of conversion of dietary energy and protein to milk energy and protein were also calculated.

EVALUATION OF TRITICALE SILAGE FOR LACTATING COWS

1972 ◽  
Vol 52 (2) ◽  
pp. 373-376 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. J. FISHER
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Protein Content ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Corn Silage ◽  
Holstein Cows ◽  
Apparent Digestibility ◽  
Lactating Cows ◽  
Nutritive Values

The nutritive values of corn and triticale silage were compared in a changeover experiment using eight lactating Holstein cows. Intake of silage dry matter was significantly greater (P < 0.05) for corn silage (9.41 vs. 7.49 kg/100 kg0.75 body weight) than for triticale silage. Solids, corrected milk yield, and protein content were significantly higher (P < 0.01) for corn silage (25.0 vs. 21.4 kg/day and 3.34 vs. 3.11%) than for triticale silage. The apparent digestibility of dry matter for rations containing corn and triticale silage was 67.0 and 64.0%, respectively.

SUBSTITUTION OF RAPESEED MEAL FOR SOYBEAN MEAL AS A SOURCE OF PROTEIN FOR LACTATING COWS

1976 ◽  
Vol 56 (2) ◽  
pp. 233-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. J. FISHER ◽  
DOROTHY S. WALSH
Keyword(s):  
Milk Yield ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Rapeseed Meal ◽  
Milk Composition ◽  
Hormone Metabolism ◽  
Thyroid Hormone Metabolism ◽  
Lactating Cows ◽  
Lower Blood ◽  
Concentrate Mixture ◽  
Low Erucic Acid

Sixteen lactating Holstein cows were randomly assigned to treatment sequences in a 4 × 4 changeover experiment. Experimental periods were 28 days in length separated by 7 days for changeover. Cows were fed corn silage free choice and gradually increasing amounts of one of four dairy concentrates containing 0, 11, 22, or 34% rapeseed meal (RSM) of a Canadian, experimental, low glucosinolate–low erucic acid variety. Concentrate intake (kg dry matter/day), milk yield (kg/day) and body weight change (kg/28 days) were 8.45a, 8.71a, 8.37a and 7.17b; 24.40a, 24.03ab, 22.92bc and 21.96c and 7.6b, 22.4b, 13.0ab, and 3.0b for 0, 11, 22 and 34% RSM mixtures, respectively. There was no influence of treatment on milk composition. Ration dry matter (DM) and nitrogen digestibilities declined (P < 0.05) as the RSM in the concentrate mixture increased. The amount of nitrogen excreted in the urine was greatest for cows fed 0% RSM and least for cows fed 34% RSM. Cows fed concentrate mixtures containing 34% RSM had a lower blood thyroxine level than others (P < 0.05), but RSM-containing concentrates had no apparent effect on the conversion of thyroxine to triiodothyronine. Results of the trial indicated that this experimental variety of RSM had no detrimental effect on concentrate intake, DM digestibility, milk composition or thyroid hormone metabolism when included at levels up to 22% in the concentrate mixture. However, milk yield and apparent digestibility of ration nitrogen were decreased (P < 0.05) by the 22% RSM mixture. It was not certain from the current findings whether the depression in digestibility was due largely to the high oil content of the meal or due to the higher fiber content of the RSM-supplemented rations.

SUPPLEMENTATION WITH PROTECTED LIPID AS A MEANS OF ALLEVIATING "SPRING PASTURE" INDUCED MILK FAT DEPRESSION

1979 ◽  
Vol 59 (4) ◽  
pp. 707-712 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. J. FISHER
Keyword(s):  
Milk Yield ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Milk Fat Depression ◽  
Average Decrease ◽  
Lactating Cows ◽  
Percentage Unit ◽  
Fat Yield ◽  
Total Fat ◽  
Daily Milk

Thirty-six lactating cows, after their first week on spring pasture, were subdivided into three groups of 12 cows each and assigned to one of three pelleted grain mixtures containing 0, 5 or 10% protected lipid. These grain mixtures were fed in the milking parlor at the rate of 1.0 kg/4.0 kg of milk yield for a period of 14 days and then the cows were switched to the next ration in the sequence. Milk yield and grain intake were recorded daily. Milk samples for fat, protein and lactose determinations were taken during the last week of the drylot feeding period, during the preliminary pasture period and on the last 2 days of each experimental period. The change in feeding system from drylot to pasture resulted in an average decrease of 0.65 and 0.10 percentage units in milk fat and lactose contents, respectively, and an increase of 0.27 of a percentage unit in protein content. Refusals of the grain mixture were greater (P < 0.05) but milk yields per kilogram of grain intake were higher (P < 0.05) for grain mixtures containing 10% protected lipid than for the control ration. Protected lipid was not effective in countering the milk fat depression caused by the onset of the spring grazing season. The feeding of protected lipid at the rate of 5 and 10% resulted in only a 10 and 27% recovery in total fat yield compared to cows fed the control ration.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document