The Effect on Milk Production of Legume Silage Harvested in the Bud Stage vs. Full Bloom Stage of Maturity of Alfalfa

Abstract

Summary Rations containing legume silage harvested in the bud stage of alfalfa gave significantly greater milk yields than when the alfalfa was ensiled at full bloom. This difference was not appreciably influenced by varying the supplemental meal allowance from 8.5 to 11.5% digestible crude protein. Since little difference was found in the chemical analyses and digestibilities of the two silage cuttings, it was concluded that the higher yield obtained from the early cut material was due to the higher TDN content of the rations containing these silages.