Evaluation of legume silages offered to Holstein-Friesian cows with small amounts of concentrates

Abstract

The high intake characteristics of red clover silage has been recognised for many years (e.g. Thomaset al., 1985). Our previous study (Dewhurstet al., 2000) demonstrated the considerable intake and milk production potential of clover silages made using a new approach based on preparation of big-bales from wilted material with the use of biological inoculant additives. The objective of this study was to verify the positive results obtained with red and white clover silages using material taken from a further series of cuts taken in a subsequent year and to evaluate the legume silages with low levels of concentrate feeding.