HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Nevens, W. B. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Nevens, W. B.

Lespedeza Hay for Dairy Cattle

Department of Dairy Husbandry, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois

ABSTRACT

The feeding value of lespedeza hay was compared with that of alfalfa hay in feeding trials with dairy cows and dairy heifers.

The lespedeza hay was somewhat less palatable than the alfalfa hay.

The particular lot of lespedeza hay fed to dairy cows proved practically equal pound for pound to the alfalfa hay fed, as judged by milk yields and gain in weight of the cows. Slightly lower grades of both lespedeza hay and alfalfa hay were found practically equal pound for pound for gain in weight of growing dairy heifers. In both trials, however, it is likely that adequate amounts of protein were supplied, so that the lower protein content of the lespedeza hay was not a limiting factor.

No differences in the laxative properties or conditioning effects of lespedeza hay and alfalfa hay were observed.

The lespedeza hay was found to be lower than the alfalfa hay in its content of protein, fiber, total ash, and lime.