Methods of Preserving Grass Silage and Vitamin A Potency of Milk Produced Therefrom

Abstract

Summary In a study of various methods of ensiling grasses and legumes, preservation by the addition of 200 pounds corn and cob meal per ton gave a very palatable silage, although carotene preservation was not as good as with some other methods, e.g ., molasses. No significant differences were found in milk production and change in body weight when the lots for any one feeding period were compared. A comparison of good corn and alfalfa silages indicated that both silages had apparently equivalent feed value on the basis of milk production and change in body weight. The vitamin A potency of the milk produced from these two silages varied by only 20 per cent. Alfalfa silage high in carotene generally -increased and maintained the carotene and vitamin A level in winter milk.