Influence of wet vs. dry by-product ingredients and addition of branched-chain volatile fatty acids and valerate to dairy diets. I. Feed intake, milk production and milk composition.

Abstract

A feeding trial was carried out with 56 dairy cows during 1st 18 weeks of lactation. Rations consisted of 40% grass and maize silage (in a 50:50 ratio) and 60% concentrates based entirely on by-products (beet pulp, maize gluten feed and brewers' grains) and were offered ad lib. 60% (on DM basis) of concentrates were given either ensiled (WET) or dehydrated (DRY). Half of the cows receiving WET or DRY diets also received an additive containing approx. 80 g of calcium salts of iso-butyrate, 2-methyl butyrate, 3-methyl butyrate and valerate. No significant effects of additive on feed intake, milk yield and milk composition were found. Feed, energy and protein intake and milk protein production were significantly lower after feeding WET diet compared with DRY diet. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)