Steam Processing versus Pelleting of Two Ratios of Milo and Barley for Lactating Cows

Abstract

Two switchback feeding trials (24 cows each) compared steam processing with pelleting of milo and barley for lactating cows. Two ratios of milo to barley (3:1 and 1:3) were used in the concentrate. The only feed variable between the 2 trials was physical form of the cottonseed meal (19.8% of the concentrate) added to the steam processed mixture. The meal was unpelleted in the first trial but pelleted in the second. The ration consisted of 45% concentrate by weight with the remainder being good quality alfalfa hay. Rations were fed individually to each animal. Feed consumption was adjusted to equal the National Research Council's standards for maintenance and production.The conclusions were: a) Neither processing technique nor the proportion of the two grains had any effect on milk yield or per cents fat and solids-not-fat. b) During the second trial percent milk protein was slightly depressed by the pelleted ration containing the high level barley. c) Digestibilities of the various feed components and energy conversions were not affected by any of the variables. d) Consumption of the steam processed ration was enhanced by pelleting the cottonseed meal as compared to feeding it unpelleted. e) Body weight was not affected. f) There were no significant differences in the distribution of any of the milk fatty acids or rumen volatile fatty acids caused by the two processing techniques or the two milo to barley ratios.