Increased Utilization of Bluestem Hay with the Addition of Water or Certain Protein Sources

Abstract

A two phase experiment was conducted with 28 lambs to test ways of increasing the intake and nutritive value of a low protein mixed grass forage (Primarily Andropogon spp). During phase one lambs were fed hay ad libitum for 30 days. Treatments were control and two levels of water sprayed over the hay prior to each feeding. Added water resulted in a significant increase in digestibility of fibrous components and in digestible and metabolizable energy per gram of dry matter (DM). Voluntary water intake decreased with increasing amounts of water sprayed over the hay. In phase two, four different milo-based protein supplements were fed with the hay Rations containing dehydrated alfalfa meal and corn gluten meal had increased digestibility coefficients and total digestible nutrients (TDN) compared with rations containing soybean meal or brewer's dried grains. No differences in intake parameters were noted among the four treatments. Average daily gain (ADG) and average daily potassium gain were significantly affected by the source of supplemental protein. Carcass grades and specific gravity of lambs supplemented with brewer's dried grains or dehydrated alfalfa were higher than in the other two groups. The data indicate that rations containing 60% grass hay can, when properly supplemented, support excellent performance in lambs.