Haycrop Silage Versus Hay in a Mixed Ration for Lactating Cows

Abstract

Abstract Thirty Holstein cows, in three groups, were used in a 51-mo continuous trial to study feed intake, production, profit, and dry cow responses when 43 to 44% of forage dry matter was from a) wilted haycrop silage, b) silage and hay (50:50), or c) hay, all from the same field. The remainder of forage for all cows was urea-treated corn silage. Common concentrate was fed to all cows ad libitum from calving to peak of lactation, then according to requirements until end of lactation. Forages were fed ad libitum during lactation. Dry cows received a small amount of concentrate plus forages, limited to avoid or correct overconditioning. First-cutting haycrop was stored 16 days earlier as silage than as hay, and it contained more protein and minerals, and less fiber. Forage intake was more for hay than for haycrop silage diets, but this did not result in significantly more milk or income over feed cost. The decision to harvest haycrop as wilted silage or as hay depends on economics of earlier harvest and earlier regrowth with silage, and on its adaptability to blended complete rations rather than on differences in profitability of production response.