Rosario-López, Mario I.

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    Efectos de la calidad del forraje y el tipo de concentrado sobre el consumo voluntario y producción de leche en vacas lecheras
    (2005) Rosario-López, Mario I.; Ruiz-López, Teodoro M.; College of Agricultural Sciences; Randel, Paul F.; Riquelme, Ernesto O.; Latorre, José R.; Department of Animal Science; Más, Edwin
    An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of forage quality and type of concentrate on dry matter intake and milk production of dairy cows in early lactation. Eight cows, six Holstein and two cross-bred (Holstein x Brown Swiss) were used in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments and a 4 x 4 latin square design, replicated twice. Experimental treatments compared alfalfa hay (HA) (15.55 % CP and 48.13 % NDF) and pangola grass hay (HP) (3.73 % CP and 68.48 % NDF) and two concentrates, one formulated by the investigators (CF) (16.10 % CP and 1.86 Mcal/kg NEL) and one from a commercial source expected to be of high energy (CC) (18.45 % CP and 1.88 Mcal/kg NEL). Result showed no significant differences due to type of concentrate used for any of the variables evaluated, although the contrast between the two in energy level was less than had been planned. Hay consumption (9.67 vs. 8.20 kg/day), total dry matter intake (19.7 vs. 17.0 kg/day) and milk production (25.7 vs. 21.0 kg/day) were higher (P < .01) when cows received diets with HA. The consumption of NDF (6.60 vs. 6.03 kg/day) was higher (P < .05) in cows consuming diets with HP, as was milk fat content (3.79 vs. 2.86 %). However, milk protein content tended to be higher in HA diets (2.59 vs. 2.47 %). The efficiency of total dry matter and organic matter intake used for milk production was not affected by treatment; however, the efficiency of concentrate utilization was higher (2.56 vs. 2.37 kg milk/kg concentrate) in diets with HA. Income over feed costs was also higher ($7.88 vs. $7.07) for diets with HA. In conclusion, the use of HA is a better alternative to maximize feed intake and milk production of lactating cows in early lactation than local grass hay of poor quality.