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Feeding Value of Limestone-treated Corn Silage for Lactating Dairy Cows

Department of Dairy Science, University of Illinois, Urbana

ABSTRACT

The feeding value of limestone-treated corn silage (1% limestone added at time of ensiling) was compared to regular corn silage in the ration of lactating dairy cows. Twenty-four high-producing cows were divided into three equal groups and fed the following rations: Group I. Limestone-treated corn silage ad libitum plus 1 lb of alfalfa hay/100 lb B.W. and grain at a rate of 1 lb for each 3 lb of 4% FCM. Group II was fed regular corn silage ad libitum and the remainder of the ration was the same as for Group I. Group III was fed regular corn silage plus 1% ground limestone added at the time of feeding, and the remainder of the ration was the same as for Group I.

There were no significant differences in gross chemical make-up between the regular and limestone-treated corn silages. However, the treated corn silage contained 104 and 80% more acetic and lactic acids, respectively, than the control silage. The higher levels of lactic acid in the treated silage appeared to influence the proportions of the rumen volatile fatty acids; however, the change was not statistically significant.

No significant differences were found in dry matter consumption from the silages, milk yield, milk fat per cent, or change in body weight of the cows consuming the silage.

¹ Present address: Dairy Department, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Blacksburg, Virginia.