Abstract
To provide relevant information on utilizing fodder-sugarcane for dairy cows, we investigated the chemical composition, and long-term effect of fodder-sugarcane feeding on physiological aspects in non-lactating cows and milk production in lactating cows. The CP content of fodder-sugarcane silage (KRFo93-1; harvested 4 months after regrowth) was at the lowest level, whereas NDFom content peaked in roughage fed to lactating cows on conventional dairy farms. When 6 non-lactating Holstein cows were fed fodder-sugarcane silage with soybean meal and steam-rolled corn or sudangrass hay for 106 days, there were few changes in BW, hematological parameters, and blood metabolites throughout the experimental period. Seven lactating Holstein cows were fed TMR (TDN, 69%DM; CP, 15%DM) containing 0, 3, 5, 10, 15, or 20% fodder-sugarcane silage along with commercial concentrate (1.8 kg DM/cow/day). Milk yield and milk composition were unaffected by the proportion of fodder-sugarcane silage in the TMR. Conversely, the percentage of large particles (>19 mm) in TMR and in orts rose with an increasing proportion of fodder-sugarcane silage in TMR. The BUN concentration increased when cows were fed TMR containing over 15% fodder-sugarcane silage. These results suggest that fodder-sugarcane can be fed to cows without adversely affecting their physiological condition. However, for practical feeding to lactating cows, it is necessary to observe sorting against fodder-sugarcane silage.
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call