Complete Rations for Dairy Cattle. V. Interaction of Sugarcane Bagasse Quantity and Form with Soybean Meal, Urea, and Starea

Abstract

Sugarcane bagasse quantities (30 and 40%), form of bagasse pellet (bagasse pelleted right after processing or after ensiling), and soybean meal, urea, and Starea as sources of protein in complete rations were studied in a factorialized, incomplete block design with 36 lactating cows fed different rations in each of three 4-wk periods. Rations had crude protein of 12.1 to 13.9% (6.71% gross metabolizable protein) and crude fiber of 13.2 or 16%. Feed intake was lower for regular than for fermented bagasse pellets and for urea than for soybean meal and Starea rations. Milk fat percents were higher for 40% than for 30% bagasse rations which resulted in greater solids-corrected milk yields. Soybean meal and Starea rations effected lower milk fat percents than urea rations. Milk protein yield was similar for soybean meal and Starea and higher than urea. Weight gains were greater with rations containing fermented pellets and less for urea. Rumen ammonia was higher for all rations at 1h after feeding than 2h. Rumen ammonia was similar for urea and Starea but higher than soybean meal at 1h and 2h. Rumen pH, molar proportions of acetate, and acetate propionate ratios were higher and propionate lower for urea than for soybean meal and Starea.