All Silage Forage Programs for Dairy Cattle. II. Performance Through Three Lactations

Abstract

Corn silage, blended corn silage and haycrop silage (60:40 dry matter), or blended corn silage and chopped hay (60:40 dry matter) each were fed ad libitum as the sole forage to 15 Holstein-Friesian females from birth to completion of three lactations. Between 18 mo of age and first parturition animals on corn silage treatment were fed .5kg protein supplement per day. After first parturition, concentrate was fed to a maximum of 12kg (first lactation) or 14kg (second and third lactations) per day during 4 wk postpartum. Thereafter, concentrate was fed according to production. Protein was balanced by adding 1kg supplement per day to corn silage treatment during lactation.Measurements of body weight and wither height as well as body condition at first calf were similar across treatments.Cows fed the silage-hay combination consumed more forage and total dry matter than those fed corn silage alone in each period except second lactation. Differences were greatest in first lactation. Milk and solids-corrected milk yields were higher for animals fed corn silage and hay than for corn silage alone in first lactation. Milk composition and solids-corrected milk yield per unit dry matter intake were unaffected by treatment.