Studies on the utilisation of ensiled poultry excreta as a ration for replacement stock of cross-bred dairy cattle

Abstract

Four silages, of green maize (silage A) and poultry excreta + green maize (silage B) in experiment (1), poultry excreta + Johnson grass (silage C) in experiment (2), and poultry excreta + green maize (silage D) in experiment (3), were studied. In silages (C) and (D) 8% molasses was added before ensiling. The pH ranged between 4·3 and 4·6 in the different silages. In experiment (la) green maize silage was fed alone; the poultry excreta + green maize silage was fed alone in experiment (1b) and with 1 kg molasses in experiment (1c); the silages were fed with 0·5 kg wheat brain in experiment (2) and with 0·5 kg crushed maize in experiment (3). The voluntary dry matter intake was lowest in experiment (2) and highest in experiment (3). The digestibility of proximate principles, except that of crude protein, improved on supplementation with molasses (1c). Supplementation with maize resulted in increased digestibility of proximate principles except crude fibre. The digestible crude protein content increased with the incorporation of poultry excreta and was proportional to the poultry excreta content of the silages. The balances of nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus were positive. The mean daily gain was 121, 91, 151, 194 and 218 g in experiments (1a), (1b), (1c), (2) and (3) respectively. Inadequate energy intake adversely affected the body weight gain. Such silages, being deficient in energy content, warrant supplementation with higher quantities of energy-rich feeds for supporting production functions.