Use of High-Nitrogen Feedstuff Made from Whey in the Rations of Dairy Animals1,2

Abstract

Summary Feeding trials have been conducted to evaluate a high-nitrogen whey derivative as a feedstuff for dairy cattle. Preliminary trials indicated that the product was not toxic and appeared to support growth of 6-mo.-old calves. In one trial, two groups of eight lactating Holstein cows were used in a single-reversal experiment consisting of two 8-wk. periods. All cows were fed grass silage, timothy hay, and a concentrate mixture according to body weight and milk production. The experimental variable consisted of the presence or absence of the whey product in the concentrate mixture at the 10% level. Milk and butterfat production by cows fed the whey product was lower than that of controls, especially during the first period of the experiment. While receiving the whey product, the cows lost significantly more body weight than while on the control ration. Feed refusals by cows fed the whey product were significantly greater than those of control cows, and nutrient intakes of cows fed whey products were below requirements, due to the unpalatable nature of the product. Variations between individuals were noted, with regard to acceptance. It is believed that the portion of the feedstuff actually consumed was well-utilized. No significant differences were noted in blood glucose or blood lactic acid concentrations. In a second trial, 15 male Holstein calves were fed from six days to 20 wk. of age on calf starters which contained 0, 5, or 8% of the whey product. Growth by the three groups of calves was similar, those receiving the 5% level weighing slightly more at 20 wk. than did the other two groups. Consumption of the 5% starter was good, but the 8% mixture apparently lacked in palatability.