FEEDING VALUE OF WET CORN GLUTEN FEED FOR LACTATING DAIRY COWS

Abstract

In two trials 57 and 44 Holstein cows were used to determine the effect of feeding wet corn gluten feed (CGF) on total dry matter (DM) intake and milk production. Treatments compared were: Trial I, control vs. wet CGF at either 18.6 or 37.1% of ration DM; Trial II, control vs. dried or wet CGF each at 26% of ration DM. Within each treatment in Trial II, cows were balanced to receive sodium bicarbonate in either the first or second half of the 10-wk experimental period. Total mixed rations were offered ad libitum. In Trial I the multiparous cows fed either level of CGF, consumed less DM and produced less actual and solids-corrected milk (SCM) than did those fed the control diet. Differences across treatments were greater in the first 4 wk. Primiparous cows showed no (P > 0.05) treatment effects. In Trial II parities were similar in response to treatment. Sodium bicarbonate did not (P > 0.05) affect performance. Milk yield was lower (P < 0.05) on wet CGF than on the control diet but fat- and solids-corrected milk yield, DM intake and body weight change were similar, and fat percent in milk greater for wet CGF. Feeding dried CGF resulted in greater (P < 0.05) DM intake, SCM, percent protein in milk and body weight changes than either control or wet CGF. Wet CGF was lower (P < 0.05) in insoluble N and higher in soluble NPN than dried CGF. We concluded that dried CGF is superior to wet CGF for lactating cows but that wet CGF should be considered for feeding when cost/benefit analysis suggests an economic advantage. Key words: Wet corn gluten feed, lactation, dairy cows, protein solubility