Alfalfa Baleage as a Concentrate Replacer in Dairy Rations: Effects on Dry Matter and Nutrient Intake, Dry Matter Digestibility and Lactation Performance of Mid to Late Lactation Holstein Cows

Author

Steven Musopole

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Hill-Ward, Stephanie

Committee Member

Rude, Brian J.

Committee Member

Blanton Jr., John

Date of Degree

5-7-2016

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Animal Science

Degree Name

Master of Science

College

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Department

Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences

Abstract

A RCBD study with 19 first lactation Holsteins was conducted to investigate the effects of replacing 10% of concentrate with alfalfa baleage on lactation performance. Intake of DM was greater (P=0.02) for low forage (21.92 kg/d) than high forage diet (21.18 kg/d). Digestibility of DM was similar (P=0.4) between high (39.65%) and low forage diet (41.64%). Yield of 4% FCM was similar by diet but greater (P=0.01) for less than or equal to 251 d (29.36 kg/d) than greater than 251 d DIM cows (28.47 kg/d). Feed efficiency tended to be greater (1.42 versus 1.35; P=0.056) for high forage diet but was greater (1.44 versus 1.35; P=0.003) for cows less than or equal to 251 d DIM. Fat and lactose contents were similar by diet while protein tended to be greater (P=0.07) for low forage diet and SNF (8.93% versus 9.06%; P=0.04) was greater for low forage diet.

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11668/17752

Recommended Citation

Musopole, Steven, "Alfalfa Baleage as a Concentrate Replacer in Dairy Rations: Effects on Dry Matter and Nutrient Intake, Dry Matter Digestibility and Lactation Performance of Mid to Late Lactation Holstein Cows" (2016). Theses and Dissertations. 429.
https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/td/429