Comparison of maize and alfalfa silages on milk production, milk composition and blood components of dairy cows
Belibasakis, N.G.; Progia, E.; Papaioannou, A.
Veterinarni Medicina 42(8): 239-242
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0375-8427 PMID: 9313368 Document Number: 475729
From 18 January to 18 April 1995, 20 multiparous Friesian cows, 60-100 days post partum, were allotted to 2 groups of 10 cows according to calving date, lactation number and daily milk yield and were assigned randomly to 1 of 2 diets in a crossover design experiment. The control diet (maize diet) was 55% maize silage (DM basis), 20% soyabean meal, 22% ground maize and 3% mineral and vitamin mix. The treatment diet (alfalfa diet) was 55% alfalfa silage, 10% soyabean meal, 32% ground maize and 3% mineral and vitamin mix. The 2 diets contained similar quantities of crude protein and metabolizable energy. The diets were offered individually as total mixed rations in 2 equal portions at 09:00 and 20:00 h in amounts to achieve ad libitum intake. The 2 groups of cows were allowed exercise in an open lot without shade from 11:00 to 16:30 h and 22:00 to 05:30 h. The cows were milked daily at 06:00 and 17:00 h. The DM, metabolizable energy and crude protein intakes, milk yield and milk fat, protein, lactose, TS and SNF contents, as well as milk fat and protein yields and body condition score, were not significantly affected when maize silage was given to lactating cows, compared with that of cows given alfalfa silage. No differences were observed in blood serum concentrations of glucose, total protein, albumin, urea, triglycerides, cholesterol, Na, K, Ca, P and Mg between maize and alfalfa silages.