Feeding Liquid Whey to Dairy Cattle

Abstract

Liquid whey was fed to dairy cows and heifers to determine its nutritive value. Sixteen cows were allotted to groups of four each and randomly assigned to a treatment (1) water only, (2)whey plus 30.2 liters of water daily, (3)whey plus 15.1 liters of water daily, and (4) whey only. Grain was offered at 7.5kg per animal daily, and hay was free choice. Hay consumption was reduced by feeding whey, but milk production and composition were not changed. Total consumption of liquid (water + whey) was the same for the four groups.Three groups of six heifers each, 6 to 8 mo of age, were assigned to whey only, whey plus 2.3kg grain per animal daily, or grain only (2.3kg), plus alfalfa hav ad libitum, and were fed as groups. Average daily gains were the same for groups with whey only and grain only whereas animals receiving both whey and grain had greater gains in a 16 wk trial. Hay consumption for the group with whey only was less than for grain only.Two sets of eight cows each were offered whey and water free choice. Average daily consumption was 64.0 liters of whey and 35.3 liters of water per animal. Effects on the health of the animals were not adverse. Whey attracts flies, and sanitation must be proper. Fresh whey should be offered daily, otherwise it sours and is not consumed readily.