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Journal of Dairy Science Vol. 61 No. 5 584-591
© 1978 by American Dairy Science Association ®
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Complete Ration-Group Feeding Systems for Dry and Lactating Dairy Cows

N. E. Smith1, G. R. Ufford1, C. E. Coppock2 and W. G. Merrill

Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, N. Y. 14850

ABSTRACT

In three experiments, complete rations based on silage were fed ad libitum to Holstein cows in groups.

In Experiment 1, a corn silage ration supplemented with nitrogen and mineral was compared with a ration of corn silage plus alfalfa meal for dry cows. There were no differences in energy intake or weight gains during the dry period nor in health disorders or milk production following calving.

Eighty lactating cows (40 per group) were fed a ration containing 34% hay crop silage:ll% sudan silage:55% concentrate (dry matter) either once or twice daily in Experiment 2. Frequency of feeding had no effect on intake of dry matter or milk yield. Average production for both groups was 15.2 kg milk/cow per day.

In Experiment 3, 45 first-lactation and 78 older cows were fed one of three rations for the entire lactation. The rations were 35:47:18 (H), 47:35.5:17.5 (M), and 60:23.5:16.5 (L) forage:high moisture ear corn concentrate dry matter. Intakes of dry matter were similar for all three treatments. Average milk yields were 20.7, 19.8, and 18.1 kg/cow per day. Weight gains of first lactation animals fed diets M and L were less than those fed diet H. Cows on diets lower in energy density (M and L) appeared to regulate energy balance primarily by decreased milk production rather than increased feed intake.

FOOTNOTES

1 Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis 95616.

2 Department of Animal Science, Texas A & M, College Station 77843.






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