Dried beet pulp, pressed beet pulp and maize silage as substitutes for concentrates in dairy cow rations. 1. Feeding value, feed intake, milk production and milk composition.

Abstract

A feeding trial was carried out with 48 dairy cows in 2nd or later lactation. The experiment started immediately after parturition and lasted for 13 wk. Basal diets consisted of a mixture of artificially dried grass and maize silage as roughage components, and concentrates based on a mixture of byproduct feeds. In addition to the basal diet, dried beet pulp, ensiled pressed beet pulp or maize silage was given. Two groups received either dried beet pulp (DP) or ensiled pressed beet pulp (PP). The 3rd group received extra maize silage (M). All rations were given as totally mixed rations to prevent selection. Digestibility of the ration components was determined by in vitro and in vivo methods. The feeding value of both types of beet pulp and maize silages was in agreement with that reported in literature. Total DM intake differed significantly between DP and the other groups (PP and M). Energy intake was highest for DP and lowest for group M. Milk yield was similar for all groups. However, group PP displayed an apparently different pattern, with higher peak production than group M. Fat content and fat yield were similar for all groups. Milk protein yield did not differ significantly between groups, but group M tended to have the lowest production. Milk protein percentage did not differ between the groups, although group M was usually lowest. The calculated energy balance was in agreement with liveweight changes. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)