Roughage Feed Research Articles

Diet factors and subclinical laminitis score in lactating cows of smallholder dairy farms in Thailand

The objective of this study was to evaluate the importance of dietary crude protein (CP) content, dietary neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content and feeding regime as well as other factors related to management and demographics on the occurrence of (subclinical) laminitis under practical Thai feeding conditions. Hemorrhage of the white line and the sole, sole ulcer and white-line fissure of all four claws of milking cows (n=119) on 25 farms (selected based on the occurrence of lameness) were macroscopically assessed to calculate the prevalence of subclinical laminitis (SCL) on each farm. Data were collected on farm characteristics, feed and feeding management, floor type and hoof care. Dry matter intake was assessed on each farm and feed ingredients collected and analyzed for dry matter (DM), CP and NDF. No significant differences were found for farm characteristics such as herd size, number of milking cows, parity and body condition scoring between farms with a low (<25%) or a high prevalence (>25%) of SCL. Percentages of DM and CP content of the rations did not differ, whereas mean NDF content in the ration was significantly higher in the low compared to the high prevalence farms. Multiple regression analysis of the data showed that a ration low in NDF content and/or in combination with the separate feeding of roughage and concentrate was associated with a high SCL prevalence. The results suggest that mixing concentrate with a substantial part of the roughage is an important strategy to prevent SCL in smallholder dairy farms under Thai feeding conditions. In addition, the dietary NDF content but not the dietary CP level is associated with SCL prevalence in dairy cows under Thai feeding conditions.

Effect of Supplementation Sacharonyces cerevisiae and Leucaena leucocephala on Low Quality Roughage Feed in Beef Cattle Diet

The aim of this experiment was to study the effect of adding S. cerevisiae and leaf of L. leucocephala in diet rice straw-based of nutrients digestibility and body weight gain of cattle. The experiment was conducted in Ruminant Nutrition Laboratory of the Faculty of Animal Science, Andalas University, Padang. Experimental design used is a Latin Square Design (LSD) with four treatments and four periods. This experiment used 175.±10.53 kg male ongole crossbreed. The treatments were (A) grass+concentrates (B) rice straw+concentrates (C) was the treatment of B plus 0.5% S. cerevisiae and (D) was the treatment C+15% L. leucocephala. The results showed that the dry matter digestibility of treatment B (61.03%) were significantly lower than treatments A, C and D respectively (68.05, 63.01 and 68.15%) and supplementation of S. cerevisiae was able to improve nutrient digestibility and body weight gain of cattle but still low as compared to control (A). Addition of L. leucocephala in treatment D (850.7 g/day) was able to provid e digestibility and body weight gain similar to the control ration (775.7 g/day). It can be concluded that the use of rice straw as a substitute for grass would give the same results with the grass when added 0.5% S. cerevisiae and 15% L. leucocephala.

Assessment of commercial feedlot finishing practices at eastern Shoa, Ethiopia

This study was conducted to characterize and identify husbandry practice and major constraints of commercial feedlot industries in the study area. Forty eight commercial feedlot farms were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The results showed that, livestock species such as cattle, shoat and camels were used in commercial fattening though significant variation in demand among species. Cattle had got the highest acceptance in feedlot industries followed by shoat, however, camel and swine had least preference. All cattle breeds were granted equal requirement by domestic market. However, there is variation in demand among cattle breeds for export market. Boran was the most preferred cattle breed compared to the rest of cattle by the importers. Uncastrated bull demanded for export market however, castrated and female cattle were not used for export markets. Pastoralists were the potential supplier of feeder livestock followed by small holders to feedlot industries. Teff straw was predominantly used roughage feed in most of commercial feedlot farms and agro-industrial by-products as a source of concentrate. However, sorghum and maize grains were utilized by very few farms. Vitamin and mineral supplementation were not often available except common salt in all feedlot rations. Market was noted as the most potential constraints followed by feed and type of livestock coming to the markets in the commercial feedlot industries. The study suggested that, government and other development partners should provide and improve all services to pastoralists or producers in an organized way at their localities to ensure sustainable supply of livestock to the market.

Case Study: Calf Pneumonia

ABSTRACT:This article describes the investigation of a calf pneumonia outbreak in a dairy herd and the practical steps taken to treat sick animals, as well as improve overall calf management. High levels of morbidity meant a blanket treatment approach with antibiotics and NSAIDs was taken for all calves. Key management changes were made in calving pens, colostrum management was improved, changes to ventilation in calf sheds were made, and a protocol for feeding calves was drawn up.

Effects of a high oil and fibre diet and supplementary roughage on performance, injurious pecking and foraging activities in two layer hybrids

1. The study investigated the feeding of a high oil and fibre diet containing 260 g/kg organically produced cold pressed sunflower cake or supplemental roughage to aviary-housed Lohmann Selected Leghorn (LSL) and Lohmann Brown (LB) layers between 20 and 74 weeks of age with outdoor access during summer. 2. Feeding roughage was associated with reduced vent injuries, a tendency to improve plumage condition, and was accompanied by improved FCR compared with controls. Feeding the high oil and fibre diet tended to improve FCR compared with the control diet. 3. The dry matter of faeces was reduced in both treatments compared with controls. Foot pad cleanliness and the proportion of dirty eggs were negatively affected by the high oil and fibre diet. Foot health was superior in LB compared to LSL. 4. LB used the outdoor hen-runs more than LSL, but LSL consumed more litter indoors. Fewer LB hens fed on the control feed were recorded in the outdoor hen-runs. Supplemental roughage tended to decrease litter consumption. 5. In conclusion, supplemental roughage reduced vent injuries and was correlated with foraging activities. Feeding 260 g/kg sunflower cake negatively affected hygiene in aviary hens. Sunflower cake is nevertheless a promising alternative feedstuff to fulfil the protein requirement in organic layers.

EFFECT OF ADDING GINGER ROOT POWDER TO DIETS OF DIFFERENT PERCENT OF BARLEY TO ROUGHAGE ON PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF AWASSI LAMBS

This study was carried out in felid of Animal Resources Department at Tikrit University .By used Twenty Awassi lambs which individually feeding live-weight was 25.49 kg ,with ages from 3 -4 months old were used in a experiment to study the effect of feeding two level of barley to the roughage( 60% barley with 40% roughage or 40% barley with 60% roughage) with two level of ginger( 0&5 gm/kg Dm) on productive performance . Barley mixed with alfalfa were offered to lambs at rate of 3.5% of live weight. No significant effect for level of the concentrate to the roughage feed (B:R) or add ginger or interaction between them for initial ,final weight, feed intake and feed conversion. There was no significant effect of level C:R and ginger for total weight , but there was significant effect(أ≤0,05) for the first group ( high barley with low roughage with ginger) 11.47kg and there was no significant effect of the level C:R and ginger effect in the average daily weight gain , But first group improved significantly 0.13 kg compared to second group ( high barley with low roughage ) 0.11 kg.

Palm frond biochar production and characterisation

ABSTRACTPalm oil has been the world's main source of oil and fats since 2004, producing over 45 million tonnes in 2009. Malaysia alone has over 4·5 million hectares planted with oil palm and, based on common practice, ∼300 palm fronds are pruned per hectare per year. This agricultural waste is currently either being used as roughage feed or, more frequently, being left between rows of palm trees to prevent soil erosion, or for nutrient recycling purposes. This paper proposes an alternative use for palm frond as a source of biochar. A traditional method commonly use by gardeners in Malaysia to improve soil fertility was used to produce the biochar. A shallow earth pit was dug in the ground for the carbonisation process. The process is described and the impact of carbonisation on the earth wall is analysed and presented. The process was later re-assessed by using TGA-FTIR. Most of the hemicelluloses had fully disintegrated, but the depolymerisation of the cellulose was still incomplete at the carbonisation temperature. Most of the lignin aromatic structure was still present in the biochar. The carbonisation process was repeated in the laboratory and biochar was characterised by using BET, SEM and FTIR. An adsorption isotherm study was conducted and the experimental data were fitted to the Langmuir model. The model predicted Pb2+ adsorption rates of 83·3 mg/g, Cu2+ 41·4 mg/g, Ni2+ 13·0 mg/g and Zn2+ 19·7 mg/g.

Addition of propolis or monensin in the diet: Behavior and productivity of lambs in feedlot

This study assessed the behavior and the productive performance of lambs finished in feedlot receiving diets added with green propolis, brown propolis or monensin sodium. The experiment used a randomized block design that compared weight gain of 32 male lambs aged four months among four dietary treatments: (1) control, non-enriched diet; (2) with green propolis; (3) with brown propolis; and (4) with monensin sodium. The basic diet provided to all the groups was a total mixed ration (TMR) with a forage:concentrate ratio of 50:50, in which Tifton 85 ( Cynodon spp.) grass was used as roughage feed and the concentrate was based on soybean meal, corn meal and minerals. The green propolis diet decreased rumination and increased resting time. The diets provided similar feeding rate (g/min). DM and aNDF intake (g/kg of body weight and g/kg of metabolic weight) were higher in the control treatment. Although the control group had the highest weight gain, the highest feed conversion and feed efficiency were found in lambs fed brown propolis and monensin sodium. Technically, brown propolis can substitute monensin sodium as a dietary additive for feedlot lambs. However, complementary studies are needed to identify the best levels of brown propolis to add to these diets.

Functional and comparative digestive system anatomy of Arctic ungulates

Dietary niche, feeding type classification and seasonal strategies of Rangifer tarandus and Ovibos moschatus discussed in relation to the anatomy of their digestive system. Classification criteria for the flexible feeding type system, originally established in bovids and later adapted to cervids, are substantiated and critically discussed in the light of recent attempts to invalidate the system. Eurasian mountain reindeer, North American barren-ground caribou, Svalbard reindeer and Victoria Island caribou are seasonally adaptable, opportunistic ruminants of the intermediate feeding type but the long evolutionary sepatation of Svalbard reindeer has modified several morphological features for winter survival without lichen, resulting in better adaptation to fibrous forage. Muskoxen, despite their seasonal selectivity, are typical grass and roughage eaters with extremely long mean retention time. Detailed data on the entire digestive system from muzzle to anus on both species are still insufficient and extended studies are worthwhile for understanding their nutritional niche and feeding adaptations.

Effect of dairy fat on plasma phytanic acid in healthy volunteers - a randomized controlled study

BackgroundPhytanic acid produced in ruminants from chlorophyll may have preventive effects on the metabolic syndrome, partly due to its reported RXR and PPAR- α agonist activity. Milk from cows fed increased levels of green plant material, contains increased phytanic acid concentrations, but it is unknown to what extent minor increases in phytanic acid content in dairy fat leads to higher circulating levels of phytanic acid in plasma of the consumers.ObjectiveTo investigate if cow feeding regimes affects concentration of plasma phytanic acid and risk markers of the metabolic syndrome in human.DesignIn a double-blind, randomized, 4 wk, parallel intervention study 14 healthy young subjects were given 45 g milk fat/d from test butter and cheese with 0.24 wt% phytanic acid or a control diet with 0.13 wt% phytanic acid. Difference in phytanic acid was obtained by feeding roughage with low or high content of chlorophyll.ResultsThere tended to be a difference in plasma phytanic acid (P = 0.0730) concentration after the dietary intervention. Plasma phytanic acid increased significantly within both groups with the highest increase in control group (24%) compared to phytanic acid group (15%). There were no significant effects of phytanic acid on risk markers for the metabolic syndrome.ConclusionsThe results indicate that increased intake of dairy fat modify the plasma phytanic acid concentration, regardless of cows feeding regime and the minor difference in dietary phytanic acid. Whether the phytanic acid has potential to affects the risk markers of the metabolic syndrome in human still remain to be elucidated.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01343576

Eating and rumination behaviour in Brahman grade cattle and crossbred water buffalo fed on high roughage diet

The purpose of this study is to compare feeding and other behavior and nutrient digestibility of tropical grade Brahman (body weight (BW) = 231 kg ± 12.4; n = 3) and crossbred water buffalo (BW = 300 kg ± 13.9; n = 3). This experiment on digestibility and measures of muscles of mastication utilized one-way, and animal behavior two-way, analysis of variance, respectively. Two video camcorders were installed in each pair of buffalo and Brahman for 24 h period programmed on the 107th, 109th and 111th days of the digestion trials. Frequency and duration of feeding, meal intake, rumination, bolus, chews, drinking, defecating, standing and lying were recorded daily. Muscle diameter of Digastricus, Masseter and Pterygoid and different regions of the tongue were sampled and measured under light microscope using a standard micrometer. Buffalo obtained significantly higher intake of dry matter, roughage, crude protein, total digestible nutrient and metabolized energy than Brahman. This was supported by longer meal duration (P ≤ 0.05), and shorter meal breaks (P ≤ 0.05) of buffalo than Brahman. The diameter of the muscles for mastication was bigger (P ≤ 0.05) in buffalo than in Brahman, which is indicative of stronger chewing ability. Briefly, lesser and slower chewing action; higher intake of roughage and crude protein; and longer resting behavior of crossbred water buffalo than Brahman are all indicative of better digestive and metabolic performance of the buffalo under high roughage feeding conditions.

Survey of dioxins, dioxin-like PCBs and marker PCBs in German feeds of plant origin

Within a representative survey the levels of dioxins (PCDD/PCDF), dioxin-like PCBs and marker PCBs in 206 German feed samples were analysed in the years 2004/2005. The sampling plan included compound feed (N = 115) and roughage and succulent feed (N = 91) and reflected the representative feeding situation in Germany. The median content of WHO-PCB-TEQ in analysed feed samples was 0.017 ng/kg [88% dry matter (d.m.)] and consequently more than a factor of 10 below the action level of 0.35 ng/kg (88% d.m.). A differentiation between compound feed and roughage and succulent feed showed that compound feed [median 0.007 ng/kg (88% d.m.)] were significantly lower contaminated with dioxin-like PCBs than roughage and succulent feed [median 0.058 ng/kg (88% d.m.)]. The median sum contents of the six marker PCBs were 0.16 mu g/kg (88% d.m.) for compound feed and 0.56 mu g/kg (88% d.m.) for roughage and succulent feed. The median of the WHO-PCDD/F-TEQ was 0.03 ng/kg (88% d.m.), the maximum level of 0.75 ng/kg (88% d.m.) was not exceeded. The median of the WHO-PCDD/F-PCB-TEQ was 0.05 ng/kg (88% d.m.) and consequently a factor of 25 below the maximum level of 1.25 ng/kg. Additionally the samples of roughage and succulent feed were analysed according to their contents of ash insoluble in HCl, representing a degree of the proportion of earthy components in feed. A slight correlation was found between ash insoluble in HCl and WHO-PCDD/F-TEQ (R (2) = 0.59) whereas no correlation was found between ash insoluble in HCl and WHO-PCB-TEQ (R (2) = 0.06).

Effects of dietary roughage levels on the expression of adipogenic transcription factors in Wagyu steers

We hypothesized that dietary roughage level would alter the expression levels of adipogenic transcription factors in adipose tissue of Japanese black ( Wagyu) steers. Steers were fed whole crop rice silage at three levels: (1) high-roughage feeding group, fed 8 kg silage and 5 kg concentrate (HR); (2) middle roughage feeding group, fed 5 kg silage and 6 kg concentrate (MR); and (3) low roughage feeding group, fed 2 kg silage and 7 kg concentrate (LR) from 22 to 30 months of age. In subcutaneous adipose tissue, there were no significant differences in the expression of the adipogenic transcription factors and adipocyte size among feeding groups. In mesenteric adipose tissue, the expression of C/EBPα in the LR and MR groups was significantly higher than that in the HR group. Adipocyte size in the mesenteric adipose tissue of the LR group was significantly larger than that of the HR group. In intermuscular adipose tissue, the expression of C/EBPβ-LAP in the LR group was significantly higher than that in the HR group, and the expression of C/EBPβ-LIP in the LR and MR groups was significantly higher than that in the HR group. Adipocyte size in the intermuscular adipose tissue of the LR and MR groups was significantly smaller than that of the HR group. These results suggest that dietary roughage revel affects the adipose tissue depot-specific differences in C/EBP family expression pattern and adipocyte cellularity in Wagyu steers.

Feed intake, digestibility, body weight and carcass parameters of Afar rams fed tef (Eragrostis tef) straw supplemented with graded levels of concentrate mix

The experiment was conducted at Alamata Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia using 20 Afar rams with an initial body weight (BW) of 18.2 +/- 1.76 (mean +/- SD) kg. The objectives were to study the effect of supplementation with concentrate mix consisting of wheat bran (WB), noug seed cake (NSC) and sesame seed cake (SSC) at the ratio of 2:1:1 on dry matter (DM) basis, respectively on feed intake, digestibility, BW gain and carcass parameters of Afar rams fed tef (Eragrostis tef) straw basal diet. The experiment was arranged with four treatments and five replications in a randomized complete block design. The treatments included feeding sole tef straw (T1, control), and daily supplementation with the concentrate mix offered at 150 (T2, low), 250 (T3, medium) and 350 (T4, high) g DM per head. Total DM intake, crude protein (CP) digestibility, daily BW gain (P < 0.001), DM and organic matter (OM) digestibility, and carcass parameters (P < 0.05) were higher in the supplemented than in the control treatment. Intake of tef straw reduced as the level of supplementation increased, whereas the contrary was true for CP intake. Performance in carcass parameters was better for the medium compared to the low level of concentrate mix supplementation. Moreover, the medium level of supplementation did not substitute tef straw intake. Therefore, it is concluded that the medium level of concentrate mix supplement maintained the utilization of the roughage feed and resulted in better carcass parameters.

Effect of supplementation with grain, hay or straw on the performance of weaner Merino sheep grazing old man (Atriplex nummularia) or river (Atriplex amnicola) saltbush

AbstractOld man saltbush (Atriplex nummularia) and river saltbush (A. amnicola) are widely used in commercial grazing systems on saline land in south‐western Australia. Three hypotheses were tested during a 3‐year study aimed at understanding the performance of weaner Merino sheep grazing saltbush‐based pastures. The first hypothesis, that young Merino sheep grazing river saltbush would be better able to maintain live weight, body condition and would grow more wool than sheep grazing old man saltbush, was not supported by the data. Across the 3 years of the study, sheep grazing old man saltbush lost significantly less live weight and grew more wool (proportionately 0·06) than sheep grazing river saltbush. Differences in animal performance were considered to be associated with differences between the plant species in in vitro digestibility, concentrations of fibre, sulphur and crude protein in the herbage and the architecture of the Atriplex plants. The second and third hypotheses concerned supplementation strategies for sheep grazing saltbush. Three supplements were offered, namely barley grain, cereal straw or cereal hay, at a rate that approximated to one‐third of the daily metabolizable energy requirements for maintenance of live weight. The performance of the sheep was higher when the grain supplement was offered but there was no effect of feeding roughage supplements compared to no supplementation. The findings suggested that the practice of feeding saltbush with adjacent crop stubbles is unlikely to be beneficial once any fallen grain has been consumed.

Cotton Gin Trash: Alternative Roughage Feed for Beef Cattle

AN-177, a 3-page fact sheet by R. O. Myer, describes the potential use of this cotton ginning by-product as roughage feed for beef cattle. Includes references. Published by the UF Department of Animal Sciences, November 2007.

Relationship between postnatal piglet mortality, environmental factors and management around farrowing in herds with loose-housed, lactating sows

The objective of this study was to investigate management routines and environmental factors influencing postnatal piglet mortality in commercial herds with individually loose-housed sows. Last year production records from 39 herds were used. We gathered information on specific routines as well as environmental factors by visiting every farm once. Herds practising moderate roughage feeding during pregnancy tended to have lower piglet mortality (p=0.06). Use of farrowing rails along all the sides of the pen resulted in lower piglet mortality than when no rails were present (p<0.01). Herds that hardly used any litter in the sow area at the time of farrowing had significantly higher piglet mortality than herds that used a moderate or large amount (p<0.05). Helping the piglets to obtain colostrum immediately after birth also reduced mortality (p<0.05), whereas other routines such as shutting the piglets inside the creep area while feeding the sow did not have any significant effect.

Effect of Mineralized Solid Palm Fat and Feeding Pattern on Ruminal Ecology and Digestibility of Nutrients in Dairy Steers Fed on Urea-Treated Rice Straw

Four, rumen fistulated crossbred dairy steers were randomly assigned according to a 2 x 2 Factorial arrangement in a 4 x 4 Latin square design to investigate the effect of feeding pattern and supplementation of mineralized solid palm fat (MSPF) on feed intake, digestibility of nutrients, ruminal fermentation and ruminal microbial protein synthesis. The dietary treatments were as follows: T1 = feeding with roughage and followed by concentrate after 4 h (FRC); T2 = feeding with roughage and followed by concentrate after 4 h with mineralized solid palm fat (FRC+MSPF); T3 = total mixed ration (TMR); T4 = total mixed ration with mineralized solid palm fat (TMR+MSPF), respectivity. The animals were offered urea-treated rice straw as a roughage source. Results revealed that feed-intake, digestibility of nutrients and volatile fatty acids in the rumen were similar among all treatments. As for ruminal pH and urinary purine derivatives they were significantly different among treatments and were higher in animals with roughage feeding and followed by concentrate after 4 h than with TMR diets; however, supplementation of MSPF were not significantly different among treatments. In addition, supplementation of MSPF resulted in reducing protozoal population while population of ruminal bacteria and fungal zoospores were enhanced. In conclusion, the combined use of feeding with roughage and followed by concentrate after 4 h with MSPF could improve rumen pH, microbial protein synthesis but reduced protozoal population in dairy steers.

육성 및 비육전기의 조사료 급여형태가 홀스타인 거세우의 성장 발육, 사료이용성 및 도체특성에 미치는 영향

Twenty four Holstein steers fed commercial concentrates with rice straw (T1), mixed grass hay (T2), or wet brewer's grains based TMR ad libitum (T3) were used to investigate the effects of roughage feeding type during the growing and early-fattening periods on growth performance, feed efficiency and carcass characteristics. Growth performance and feed efficiency were investigated during the feeding trial conducted from 6 to 23 mo of age, and carcass characteristics were investigated after slaughter. Body weight at slaughter and daily gains were 751 to 802 kg (mean 782 kg) and 1.064 to 1.159 kg/d (mean 1.122 kg/d), respectively, showing that those for T2 were highest followed by T3. Compared with T1, the daily gain for T2 was improved by 8.9%. The TDN intakes per kg gain were 6.87, 7.17 and 7.15 kg for T1, T3 and T2, respectively, indicating that feed efficiency for T2 was improved (approx. 5%) compared with T1. The feeding treatments did not change dressing percentage (mean 60.8%), back fat thickness (6.68 mm) and rib-eye area (84.0 cm 2 ). Neither meat quality characteristics nor physicochemical properties were significantly different among the treatments. However, economic analysis accounting for 882.8, 991.7 and 943.8 thousand won per head for T1, T2 and T3, respectively, indicated that T2 and T3 increased (7~12%) total net income compared with T1. Therefore, it may be concluded that high quality meat of Holstein steers can be produced if they are fattened until 23 mo of age and that feeding mixed grass hay as roughage or TMR containing mainly wet brewer's grains during the growing and early-fattening periods can improve growth performance compared with feeding rice straw. (Key words : Holstein steers, Roughage feeding type, Growing period, Meat quantity, Meat quality)

Effect of different level of roughage availability and contrast levels of concentrate supplementation on flavour of goat milk

Rancid and tart flavours are the most common off-flavours in Norwegian goat milk. In a feeding trial, we examined the effects of different levels of concentrate and of supplementary hay feeding on the occurrence of these off-flavours. Forty-eight experimental goats grazed cultivated pasture in the lowland during spring and autumn, and mountain pasture in summer. Twenty-four of the goats were fed 0.2 kg/day of concentrate (low concentrate, LC) and the remaining 24 goats 0.7 kg/day (high concentrate, HC). Twelve animals in LC and HC groups grazed freely, while the remaining goats in the two groups were given feeding challenges (limited periods of roughage restriction and ad libitum hay feeding). This was done to examine the effect of differing roughage availability on milk flavour. The animals fed low level of concentrate and with free grazing represented the control group. During the challenge periods, the goats were kept indoors and fed 0.2 kg hay/day for 2 days (roughage restriction) or hay according to appetite for 2 days (ad libitum feeding). At least 10 days of uninterrupted grazing were allowed between the challenges. Milk samples for sensory and chemical analysis were taken at the end of the challenge periods. The level of concentrate feeding did not influence the flavour of the milk when the goats were on lush spring pasture. However, the low level of concentrate feeding (LC) increased the frequency of off-flavour during the mountain and autumn experimental periods ( P < 0.05). In the end of the mountain experimental period when the frequency of rancid/tart flavour increased in all groups, the sensory quality of milk produced by goats fed hay ad libitum (S1) had better taste ratings ( P < 0.001) than milk from goats that were grazing. When the goats were given restricted amounts of hay, they adapted to the treatment by reducing their milk yield. In the spring and mountain experimental periods, restricted roughage feeding resulted in higher fat content and better taste ratings, especially in the group fed low level of concentrate (LC/S1). However, this connection was not clear in the autumn. Probably, the goats are able to handle a negative energy balance as long as mobilizable body reserves exist, but start to produce milk with lower dry matter content and higher frequencies of rancid/tart flavour when the body reserves are empty and the energy deficit is still pronounced. It is concluded that increasing the level of concentrate and feeding hay supplements will reduce the frequency of flavour defects at times when grazing is suboptimal or the pasture is of medium or low quality.