Evaluation of a Pellet Formulated to Replace Whole Cottonseed in the Diet of Dairy Cows in Early Lactation

Abstract

Three experiments were conducted to evaluate replacements for whole cottonseed in dairy diets. In Experiment 1, 16 primiparous and 16 multiparous cows were fed diets containing either 9.6% whole cottonseed or 12.6% whole cottonseed-replacer pellet during wk 4 through 11 postpartum. Dry matter intake was higher for primiparous cows fed the replacer pellet than for those fed whole cottonseed. Dry matter intakes for multiparous cows and yields of milk and milk components for both age groups were similar across treatments. In Experiment 2, the replacer pellet was compared with a corn and soybean meal supplement, using 14 multiparous and 16 primiparous cows during wk 1 through 16 postpartum. Persistency of milk yield was improved in animals receiving the replacer pellet. In Experiment 3, the replacer pellet, whole cottonseed, and a corn and soybean meal diet were compared during wk 1 through 24 in 21 primiparous and 21 multiparous cows. As in Experiment 2, persistency of lactation was increased in cows fed the replacer pellet. Dry matter intake was increased in multiparous cows fed the pellet compared with cows fed whole cottonseed or corn and soybean meal. Milk fat content was higher for multiparous cows fed whole cottonseed than for cows fed pellet. The pellet was a useful source of energy and protein and can be used to replace whole cottonseed in early lactation diets provided substitution is on a caloric basis.