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Comparison of Milo and Barley for Lactating Cows¹

Department of Dairy Science, University of Arizona, Tucson

ABSTRACT

Two switchback feeding trials were conducted to compare palatability and feeding value of milo and barley when fed to lactating dairy cows. Varying levels of milo, barley, and cottonseed meal were fed in the concentrate, with good-quality alfalfa making up the remainder (60%) of the diet. The rations were fed individually to each animal so that total feed consumption equaled 110% of Morrison's feeding standards for maintenance and production.

Production of milk, gross composition of milk, component fatty acids of the milk fat, digestibility of the ration, and rumen volatile fatty acids (VFA) were determined. The following conclusions were drawn: a) Milo was equal to, if not slightly superior to, barley in supporting milk production, b) Milo and barley were equally palatable when fed under the conditions of this experiment, c) Milo was superior to barley in supporting milk fat percentage. d) Addition of cottonseed meal to a barley-milo concentrate increased the percentage of milk fat produced in the milk, e) Milo caused a depression of propionate in the rumen, f) Milo caused an increase in the short-chain acids of milk fat with a concomitant decrease in some of the C₁₈ acids, g) There was little difference in the digestibilities of milo and barley, h) There were no differences in conversion of feed gross energy to milk.

¹ Arizona Agricultural Experiment Station Technical Paper no. 1038.

² Present address: Ministry of Animal Resources, Khartoum, Sudan.

³ Present address: Erly-Fat Livestock Feed Company, Tucson, Arizona.