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Yields, Compositions, and Nutritive Evaluation of Barley Silages at Three Stages of Maturity for Lactating Cows

Department of Dairy Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Blacksburg

ABSTRACT

Five varieties of barley were harvested for forage in two consecutive years at three stages of maturity (bloom, milk, and dough). Dry matter content increased (P < .05) with stages of growth (22.0, 36.3, and 46.6%). Dry matter yields increased significantly between bloom and milk only. Heads accounted for 45.5% of the plant dry matter at the dough stage. Because of head growth, plant crude fiber decreased (32.1, 31.1, and 27.8%), nitrogen-free extract increased (49.2, 52.0, and 55.1%), and protein changed little with advancing maturity.

Barley, ensiled at bloom, milk, and dough, was evaluated as a sole forage for lactating cows. An 18% protein concentrate was fed (1:3) and silage was offered ad libitum. Milk production was similar for the respective treatments (26.7, 26.5, 26.8 kg/day). Silage dry matter intake was least (P < .01) for bloom silage, which was reflected in the lowest (P < .05) body weight gains.

For Days 57–63, dry matter (P < .01) and nitrogen-free extract (P < .05) digestibilities were lowest for dough, and crude fiber digestibility was greatest (P < .01) for bloom silage. Fecal passage of barley grain in the dough group probably caused the decreased nitrogen-free extract digestibility. Molar percentages of acetate were lowest and propionate highest (P < .01) for the milk stage.

¹ Present address: Department of Dairy Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing.

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