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Dried Whey as an Additive for Reconstituted Alfalfa Hay Silage¹

Dairy Science Department, South Dakota University, Brookings 57006

ABSTRACT

Dried whey was added at 0, 1, and 10% to first cutting chopped alfalfa hay. The material was reconstituted with approximately 50% water and ensiled in experimental silos. Addition of whey increased lactic acid, decreased acetic acid, and reduced pH of the hay silages. Characteristics of desirable fermentation were usually best in 10% whey-treated hay silages. Acid-detergent fiber, cell wall contents, and cellulose were lower in hay silages treated with whey. No differences in fiber nitrogen were among treatments. Results of a digestion trial with four Holstein steers indicated apparent digestibilities of dry matter, ether extract, energy, cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose increased with whey addition. Whey also increased digestibilities of cell wall contents and ash. Digestibilities were generally highest for 10% whey-treated hay silage, except cellulose digestibility was highest for 1% whey. Digestibility of protein in hay silages was not influenced by whey treatment.

¹ Published with approval of the Director, South Dakota State Agricultural Experiment Station as Publication No. 1236 of the Journal Series.

² Present address: State Department of Agriculture, Pierre, South Dakota 57501.