Abstract
Silage pulp (SP) is a byproduct from biorefinary of silage that can be used as forage source for ruminants. However, there is a lack of information regarding the complete replacement of dietary silage for SP on performance of dairy cows. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the complete substitution of dietary grass-clover silage for SP on milk production of dairy cows. Grass-clover mixture was harvested, wilted, and ensiled in bunker silos. The silage was screw pressed in a biorefinery for solid (SP) and liquid (protein-rich juice) separation. Seventy-two lactating cows were used in a completely randomized block design, receiving either the original silage- or SP-based diets. The SP-based diet had lower concentrations of water-soluble carbohydrates and crude protein but greater fibre concentration compared to the silage-based diet. Milk yield and energy corrected milk were generally greater for cows receiving the silage-based diet compared to the SP-based diet. Cows receiving the silage-based diet had a greater yields of milk protein and milk fat, and tended to have a greater yield of milk lactose than cows receiving the SP-based diet. Milk composition, body condition score and body weight were not affected by diets. The complete substitution of silage for SP reduced the lactation performance of dairy cows over time.
Highlights
Agriculture 2022, 12, 33. https://Legumes and grasses can be cultivated and mechanically processed through a biorefinery system in order to locally produce feedstuff, energy and fertilizers
The liquid phase can be used as protein supplement for livestock and the fibrous pulp can be suitable as forage source for ruminants
Milk yield of cows fed the silage-based diet was greater compared to cows fed the Silage pulp (SP)-based diet but only after weeks of feeding, except on weeks and when the milk yield (MY) did not differ between treatments (Figure 1)
Summary
Agriculture 2022, 12, 33. https://Legumes and grasses can be cultivated and mechanically processed through a biorefinery system in order to locally produce feedstuff, energy and fertilizers. Grassland plants are separated into a protein-rich juice and a fibrous pulp [1]. The liquid phase can be used as protein supplement for livestock and the fibrous pulp can be suitable as forage source for ruminants. Likewise, both liquid and solid phases can be used to produce bioenergy in the form of methane [2]. According to Corona et al [3], the concept of green biorefinery refers to the conversion of fresh biomass into value-added products that leads to local grassland development; less dependency on protein-rich feed import; and further synergies between agricultural sectors, such as crop and livestock farming. The use of home-grown protein feed is especially important in organic farming, where circular bioeconomy is essential
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