Effectiveness of low level monensin supplementation on N utilization in lactating dairy cows fed alfalfa silage was assessed using 48 multiparous Holsteins. Cows were fed a covariate diet [% of dry matter (DM): 56% alfalfa silage, 39% ground high moisture corn, 3% soybean meal, 1% ground corn, 1% vitamin-mineral supplements] for 2 wk, then grouped by days in milk into blocks of 4. Cows were ran...

dairy herd. The quality of these forages greatly impacts profitability and performance, especially of the milking herd. Because of limited land base, labor, or personal preference, farmers may decide to purchase part or all of their herd’s forage needs. In other parts of the United States, corn silage and other chopped forages are sold and oftentimes delivered to the farm as needed. In Kentucky...

The aim of the experiment was to determine the effect of different dry matter content and addition of silage inoculant on the ruminal protein degradability. Alfalfa herbage was collected from two cuts and the fresh matter was sampled two times during each cut (with different dry matter content). During the preparation of experimental micro-silages, the chopped forage was treated with a microbia...

The ‘big three’ forages in California, alfalfa hay, corn silage and small grain silage, are quantitatively the most important feed group on California dairy farms, as they comprise about 45% of all feeds consumed by California dairy animals. Thus, accurate estimation of their energy content is central to feed formulation that allows maximum animal performance and minimum environmental impact. W...

Energy retention was compared in Holstein steers fed either alfalfa or orchardgrass silages for 164 d at either 65 or 90 g DM/kg.75 BW daily in a 2 x 2 factorial. Energy retention was estimated by slaughter-balance using an initial kill of eight steers at 216 kg and a final kill of eight steers per treatment at 326 kg. The ADG was not affected (P greater than .05) by silage, but steers fed alfa...

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of tannic acid (TA) and pistachio by-product tannin extract (PBE) on N utilization and efficiency of microbial nitrogen synthesis (EMNS) in Saanen dairy goats. The experimental design was a change over design with three treatments and three periods using six mid lactation multiparous dairy goats. Tannic acid solution and PBE were added to fresh ...

The Penn State Particle Separator has led to widespread measurement of forage and total mixed ration (TMR) particle size. However, a large proportion of small particles may pass through both sieves when a TMR is analyzed, and field research has suggested that both shaking frequency and sample dry matter may affect the results. The objectives of this project were to test the effects of an additi...

Extensive proteolysis during fermentation of highprotein legumes reduces dietary N-use efficiency in ruminants. Research has demonstrated that enhancing the level of fermentable carbohydrates in crops entering the silo may reduce protein degradation by increasing the rate of decline in pH. The objective was to evaluate whether delaying cutting time during the day, to allow accumulation of total...

IntrodUCtIon Ensiling is an ancient method used to preserve the nutritive value of forages by packing and storing forage in airtight conditions. Silage fermentation occurs naturally under anaerobic conditions (the absence of oxygen). Plants contain native lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and when silage is placed under anaerobic conditions, these LAB produce lactic acid, reducing the pH to a level i...