Search

The aim of this study was to reduce voluntary dry matter intake (DMI) to increase feeding efficiency of preclassified inefficient (INE) dairy cows through restricted feeding. We studied the effects of dietary restriction on eating behavior, milk and energy-corrected milk (ECM) production, in vivo digestibility, energy balance, and measures of feed efficiency [residual feed intake (RFI) and ECM/DMI]. Before the experiment, 12 pairs of cows were classified as INE. The 2 dietary treatments consisted of ad libitum feeding versus restricted feeding of the same total mixed ration containing 36.5% roughage. Inefficient cows fed the restricted total mixed ration had a shorter eating time and lower meal and visit frequency, but a similar rate of eating, meal size, and meal duration compared with INE cows fed ad libitum. Compared with the INE cows fed ad libitum, restricted INE cows had 12.8% lower intake, their dry matter and neutral detergent fiber digestibility remained similar, and their ECM yield was 5.3% lower. Feed efficiency, measured as RFI, ECM/DMI, and net energy retained divided by digestible energy intake, was improved in the restricted INE cows as compared with the ad libitum cows. Our results show that moderate DMI restriction has the potential to improve feed efficiency of preclassified INE cows.

Feed is usually the costliest input in lactating cow's farms. Therefore, the developing of methods for a better adjustment of feed intake to cow's energetic needs in order to improve efficiency is desired. The aim of this study was to improve feed efficiency of low-efficient (LE) cows through a moderate increase in diet forage-to-concentrate ratio. We studied the effects of replacing 8.2% corn grains in a control low-fiber (LF) diet that contained 17.5% forage neutral detergent fiber (NDF) with 7.5% wheat straw + 0.7% soybean meal for a high-fiber (HF) diet that contained 23.4% forage NDF. Based on efficiency data of individual cows from the Agricultural Research Organization's herd measured in our previous study, 15 pairs of pre-classified LE multiparous mid-lactating Israeli Holstein dairy cows were selected, each pair with similar performance, intake, and efficiency data; each member of a pair was then adapted for 2 weeks to one or the other dietary treatment. Traits examined during the 5 weeks of the experiment were DM intake (DMI), eating behavior, milk production, in vivo digestibility, and estimation of feed efficiency [energy-corrected milk (ECM)/DMI and energy balance]. Cows fed the HF diet showed slower eating rate, smaller visit and meal sizes, longer daily eating time, higher visit frequency, and longer meal duration, compared to those fed the LF diet. The DMI of cows fed the HF diet was 9.1% lower, their DM digestibility decreased from 65.7 to 62.2%, and their ECM yield was 7.0% lower than in cows fed the LF diet. Feed efficiency, measured as net energy captured/digestible energy intake, improved in the cows fed the HF vs. LF diet while feed efficiency measured as ECM/DMI remained similar. Our results thus show the potential of improving feed efficiency for milk production in LE cows by increasing the forage-to-concentrate ratio.

This study aimed to identify individual characteristics differing among high-efficiency (HEf; upper 20%, n = 31), low-efficiency (LEf; lower 20%, n = 31), and mid-efficiency (MEf, 60% n = 93) lactating cows. Primiparous (37) and multiparous (118) high-producing milking cows at 30 to 180 d in milk were fed individually a low-roughage diet [31.6% of dry matter (DM)] for 4 wk. Daily average DM intake, rate of eating, visit duration, meal size, and daily rumination time were higher in LEf compared with HEf cows. On the other hand, HEf cows exhibited higher digestibility of DM, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber than the LEf cows. Daily eating time was similar in the HEf and LEf groups and higher than that of the MEf cows. Visit and meal frequency, average visit and meal duration, daily lying time, and pedometer activity were similar in the HEf, LEf, and MEf groups. The HEf cows produced 1.75% more milk, but similar energy-corrected milk compared with the LEf cows. Milk fat and protein content were lower by 1.8 and 3.8%, respectively, in the HEf cows than in the LEf group. Body weight (BW) and BW gain were similar in the 3 efficiency groups. Diurnal distribution of DM intake showed 6 distinct major meals, each composed of 1.1 to 1.6 visits. Higher intake peaks (greater meal size) were found in the LEf cows compared with the HEf group. Daily DM intake was highly correlated (affected) with energy-corrected milk production (r = 0.61), BW (r = 0.4), eating rate (r = 0.57), and visit size (r = 0.54). Energy balance showed that the lower efficiency of the LEf cows was attributed to their excess heat production and energy loss.

This study examined the effects on intake, diurnal rumen pH changes, rumination and digestibility of feeding ruminally cannulated non-lactating cows in a Latin square design (four cows×four periods) with four total mixed rations (TMRs) typical for lactating cows. TMRs were based on: long wheat hay or short wheat hay, wheat silage or wheat silage+1.5% NaHCO3 buffer, as the sole roughage source (30% of TMR dry matter (DM)). The level of physically effective NDF remaining above the 8 mm screen (peNDF) was similar in the long hay and silage-based TMRs (9.45% to 9.64% of DM) and lower in the short hay TMR (7.47% of DM). The four TMRs were offered individually at 95% of ad libitum intake to avoid orts within 24 h. Cows fed long hay consumed less DM than the short hay and silage groups (9.6 v. 10.5 and 10.8 kg/day, respectively) and sorted against large hay particles at 12 h post-feeding. Under the limitations of this study (non-lactating cows fed at restricted intake) short hay TMR prevented sorting within 12 h post-feeding, encouraged rumination per kg peNDF ingested, and had higher average rumen pH (6.24), whereas preventing sub acute ruminal acidosis (SARA, defined as pH

There is absence knowledge about the effects of lactation trimester and parity on eating behavior, production and efficiency of dairy cows. Objective of this study was to identify and characterize in 340 dairy cows, the 20% high efficient (HE), 20% low efficient (LE) and 60% mid efficient (ME) cows according to their individual residual feed intake (RFI) values, within and between lactation trimesters and between 1st and 2nd parities. Efficiency effect within each lactation trimester, was exhibited in daily dry matter intake (DMI), eating rate and meal size, that were the highest in LE cows, moderate in the ME cows and lowest in the HE group. Daily eating time, meal frequency, yields of milk and energy-corrected milk (ECM) and BW were similar in the three efficiency groups within each trimester. The lower efficiency of the LE cows in each trimester attributes to their larger metabolic energy intake, heat production and energy losses. In subgroup of 52 multiparous cows examined along their 1st and 2nd trimesters, milk and ECM production, DMI, eating behavior and efficiency traits were similar with high Pearson's correlation (r=0.78 to 0.89) between trimesters. In another subgroup of 42 multiparous cows measured at their 2nd and 3rd trimesters, milk and ECM yield, DMI and eating time were reduced (Plt;0.01) at the 3rd trimester, but eating rate, meal frequency and meal size remained similar with high Pearson's correlation (r=0.74 to 0.88) between trimesters. In subgroup of 26 cows measured in 1st and 2nd parities, DMI, BW, milk and ECM yield, and ECM/DMI increased in the 2nd lactation, but eating behavior and RFI traits were similar in both parities. These findings encourage accurate prediction of DMI based on a model that includes eating behavior parameters, together with individual measurement of ECM production. This can be further used to identify HE cows in commercial herd, a step necessary for potential genetic selection program aimed to improve herd efficiency.

Moringa oleifera Lam. (MO) seedlings, sown at high density on June 2014 and grown under irrigation in Israel, were harvested at 45 d intervals to yield a total biomass of 35 t dry matter (DM) per ha. Based on a preliminary study in glass-silos, fresh harvested MO from the 2nd harvest was mixed with chopped wheat hay and sugar cane molasses at a ratio, of 370:540:90 on DM basis, respectively, and ensiled in 40 pressed bales (700 kg each) wrapped with stretch polyethylene film. This silage was included in the total mixed ration (TMR) of lactating cows at a level of 180 g/kg DM as wheat silage and hay substitute. Performance and digestion experiment was conducted with two groups of 21 milking cows each, fed individually, either the MO TMR or the control ration. Voluntary DM intake of cows, fed the control TMR, tended to be 1.22% higher than that of the MO-fed cows ( p = 0.09). In vivo digestibility of DM, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), cellulose, hemicelluloses and crude protein were higher in the control cows compared with the MO-fed group. Notwithstanding, higher yields of milk and 4% fat corrected milk (FCM) by 1.91% and 4.26%, respectively, were observed in the MO-fed cows. Milk fat content was 2.34% higher and milk protein content 2.28% lower in the MO-fed cows than in their control counterparts. This was reflected in a 2.37% higher energy corrected milk (ECM) yield and 3.27% increase in production efficiency (kg ECM/kg DM intake) of the MO-fed cows compared with the control ones. Milk of the MO-fed cows was also characterized by 20% more anti-oxidative activity than that of the control cows. Body weight gain, however, was similar in both groups. It is therefore suggested to ensile mixture of MO with soy hulls or corn grains as higher digestible solid additive for feeding lactating dairy cows.

Effect of ensiling pomegranate pulp (PP) with or without solid additives on composition and in vitro digestibility was assessed in glass silos. Ensiling of fresh PP solely, resulted in low DM content (185 g/kg) and high fermentation losses (20% of DM). Notwithstanding, ensiling a mixture (on DM basis) of: 40% PP, 35% soy hulls and 25% corn silage, produced pomegranate pulp silage (PPS) characterized by low pH (3.86), appropriate DM content (34.7%), low fermentation losses during ensiling (5.58%) and similar in vitro DM digestibility (66.2%) compared with the raw material. Consequently, this PPS mixture was ensiled in two pressed bales (700 kg each) wrapped with stretch polyethylene film, for measuring PPS intake and digestibility by sheep. A preliminary observation demonstrated that lambs refused to consume diet based just on PPS and soybean plus minerals and vitamins mix. Only after reduction of PPS level in the TMR to 51% of the DM while replacing part of the PPS with wheat hay, the PPS-hay diet was entirely consumed. Therefore, four male Assaf lambs housed in individual metabolic cages, were fed ad-libitum two total mixed rations (TMR) in a cross over design: The PPS TMR contained 51% PPS, 38% chopped wheat hay, and 11% soybean plus minerals and vitamins mix; The reference Hay TMR contained 89% chopped wheat hay plus 11% minerals soybean plus minerals and vitamins mix. This hay-TMR was used to calculate the apparent digestibility of the PPS component in the PPS + Hay TMR. Lambs fed the PPS + hay TMR ingested voluntary 1,129 g DM/lamb/day including 580 g PPS DM/lamb/day. Apparent in vivo digestibility values of the PPS component in the experimental TMR were: dry matter, 60.1%; organic matter, 65.6%; crude protein, 47.1%; and neutral detergent fiber, 46.8%. Notwithstanding, in vitro DM and NDF digestibility of the PPS was higher (67.5% and 52.3%, respectively). The lower in vivo digestibility values compared with the corresponding in vitro data is associated with occurrence of soluble phenolics that are considered entirely digestible in the in vitro system but actually form non-digestible phenol–protein complexes in the sheep gut that reduce in vivo NDF and DM digestibility.

This study examined the chemical composition, in vitro and in vivo digestibility, aerobic stability and ensiling capability of the fresh wet fibrous by-products Aspergillus residue, soy pulp (okara), pomegranate pulp, grape pulp and avocado pulp. Ensiling was assessed in glass silos, and aerobic stability in open PVC containers. Intake and in vivo digestibility were measured in mature male Assaf lambs (four lambs/replicates per dietary treatment) held in individual metabolic cages, and ad libitum-fed one of the total mixed rations containing the examined fresh by-product and appropriate supplement. Aspergillus residue is an acidic, fibrous by-product, characterized by high in vivo digestibility of organic matter (OM, 0.85) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF, 0.95), and high stability under aerobic exposure. Ensiling results give large dry matter (DM) losses (41.2%) and continuous yeast fermentation to ethanol and volatiles. Okara is an acidic, fibrous by-product that is rich in protein (290 g/kg DM), characterized by high in vivo digestibility of OM and NDF (0.88 and 0.93, respectively), but low stability under aerobic exposure. It can be ensiled with moderate DM losses (16%), producing butyrate and acetate. Pomegranate pulp contains high levels of soluble phenolics and sugars and its voluntary consumption by sheep is low. When fed to sheep it is characterized by low in vivo OM and NDF digestibility (0.44 and 0.20, respectively), and low aerobic stability. However, it can be ensiled with moderate DM losses (20%). Grape is rich in ethanol and avocado pulps in fat content, and both byproducts are rich in lignin content and therefore have low in vivo OM digestibility (0.30 and 0.43, respectively) originating from their low NDF digestibility (0.12 and 0.31, respectively). These by-products are characterized by low stability under aerobic exposure. Both by-products can be ensiled without any DM losses or NDF solubilization.

The objective of this study was to evaluate in lactating cows the effect of either chopping or ensiling of wheat roughage on: intake, digestibility, lactation performance and animal behavior. Three groups of 14 lactating cows each, were fed total mixed rations (TMRs) based on either long wheat hay (HL), short wheat hay (HS) or wheat silage (SI), as the sole roughage source (30% of TMR dry matter (DM)). Parameters examined: sorting behavior, DM intake, milk yield and composition, rumination, recumbence, average daily rumen pH, digesta passage rate, and in-vivo digestibility. Performance data was summarized by day and analyzed using a proc-mixed model. The content of physically effective neutral detergent fiber (peNDF) was similar in the HL and SI and lower in the HS, resulting in similar differences among the three corresponding TMRs. In vitro DM digestibility of wheat silage was higher than that of the two hays (65.6% v. 62.8%) resulting in higher in vitro DM digestibility of the SI-TMR compared with the hay-based TMRs (79.3 v. 77.0%). HS-TMR was better than HL- or SI-TMRs at preventing feed sorting by cows after 12 or 24 h eating of the diets. Cows fed HS-TMR consumed more DM and NDF but less peNDF than the other two groups. Average daily rumen pH was similar in the three groups, but daily rumination time was highest in the cows fed HS-TMR. Rumen retention time was longest in cows fed HL-TMR. DM digestibility in cows fed SI-TMR was higher than that of HS and HL groups (65.2%, 61.8% and 62.4%, respectively), but NDF digestibility was similar in the three treatments. The highest intake of digestible DM was observed in cows fed SI-TMR, HS cows were intermediate and HL cows were the lowest. Consequently, cows fed SI-TMR had higher yields of milk, 4% fat corrected milk and energy-corrected milk (47.1, 42.9 and 43.2 kg/day, respectively) than cows fed HS-TMR (45.7, 41.0 and 41.0 kg/day, respectively) or HL-TMR (44.1, 40.3 and 40.3 kg/day, respectively). Net energy production (NEL+M+gain) per kg DM intake was highest in the SI-TMR, lowest in the HS-TMR and intermediate in the HL-TMR (1.52, 1.40 and 1.45, respectively). Animal welfare, as expressed in daily recumbence time and BW gain was similar in the SI and HS groups and higher than the HL cows.

This study measured the effects of including 5% NaOH-treated corn straw (T-CS) as a substitute for 15% wheat hay in the control total mixed ration (TMR) of lactating cows on performance, digestibility, and rumen microbial profile. Two groups of 21 cows each, similar in initial performance, were fed individually 1 of the 2 TMR examined. Voluntary dry matter intake of cows fed the control TMR was 4.3% higher than that of the T-CS cows, but in vivo dry matter and organic matter digestibilities of both groups were similar. Crude protein digestibility was higher in the control cows but digestibility of neutral detergent fiber polysaccharides (cellulose and hemicelluloses) was higher in the T-CS TMR. This was followed by 4.6% reduction in rumination time of the T-CS group. A slightly higher milk yield was observed in the control cows compared with the T-CS group; however, milk fat and milk protein content were higher in cows fed the T-CS TMR. This was reflected in 1.3% increase in energy-corrected milk yield and 5.34% increase in production efficiency (energy-corrected milk yield/intake) of the T-CS cows compared with the control. Welfare of the cows, as assessed by length of daily recumbence time, was improved by feeding the T-CS TMR relative to the control group. As a whole, the rumen bacterial community was significantly modulated in the T-CS group in the experimental period compared with the preexperimental period, whereas the bacterial community of the control group remained unchanged during this period. Out of the 8 bacterial species that were quantified using real-time PCR, a notable decrease in cellulolytic bacteria was observed in the T-CS group, as well as an increase in lactic acid-utilizing bacteria. These results illustrate the effect of T-CS on the composition of rumen microbiota, which may play a role in improving the performance of the lactating cow.

a b s t r a c t This study examined digestibility for lambs and nutritive value for lactating ewes of a total mixed ration (TMR) containing Cephalaria joppensis (CJ) silage as a wheat silage substitute. Yield of CJ forage was 16.4 t dry matter (DM) per ha, which is 37% higher than that of the neighboring wheat. The fresh-cut wheat and CJ were packed separately and wrapped in polyethylene layers to produce bales of silage kept outdoors for 90 days. The CJ and wheat silage bales were opened, combined with alfalfa hay (at a 2:1 ratio, DM basis) and mixed with additional TMR components, repacked and rewrapped to produce TMR bales kept outdoors for 30 days. The packing and wrapping created anaerobic conditions and ensilage occurred within the TMR bales, resulting in a significant reduction in pH of the wheat-TMR (W-TMR) and CJ-TMR from 6.02 and 6.07, respectively, to 4.1 and 4.4, respectively. DM loss in the two types of TMR bales during ensilage was similar. Experiment 1 measured the intake and digestibility of the ensiled W-TMR vs. CJ-TMR by two groups of six Assaf lambs each, fed individually in metabolic cages. Intake and digestibility of DM, crude pro- tein and neutral detergent fiber were similar for the two TMRs tested. However, cellulose digestibility was slightly higher in the W-TMR. Experiment 2 measured milk production and composition in two groups of 45 lactating Assaf ewes each, fed the two ensiled TMRs plus a constant amount of mixed concentrate pellets. The ewes fed the CJ-TMR were char- acterized by similar yields of daily milk (2.26-2.36 kg), protein (0.11 kg), fat (0.15 kg) and 6% fat-corrected milk (3.06-3.08 kg), but slightly higher concentrations of protein, fat and total milk solids compared with sheep fed the W-TMR. Changes in body weight and body condition score were similar in the two groups of ewes. Data show that CJ silage can be included in a TMR for lactating sheep as high-quality forage, with a nutritive value similar to that of wheat silage.

This study characterizes the effects of concentrated pomegranate-peel extract (CPE) addition to the TMR at levels of 1, 2, or 4% on voluntary intake, in vivo digestibility, milk yield and composition, and profile of rumen bacterial and archaeal populations in lactating Holstein cows. Supplementation of CPE significantly affected the abundance of methanogenic archaea and specific ruminal bacterial species related to cellulolytic activities and soluble sugar and lactic acid fermentation, as revealed by real-time PCR quantification. Furthermore, CPE supplementation had a significant dose-dependent effect on the whole ruminal bacterial community, as determined by automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis. These changes were accompanied by a significant increase in digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber, as well as milk and energy-corrected milk yields in cows fed the 4% CPE supplement. These results suggest that CPE supplementation significantly affects the rumen bacterial communities, which in turn may be related to a beneficial effect on dairy cow performance.

Two experiments were conducted to investigate effects of dietary supplementation of concentrated pomegranate extract (CPE) on performance of lactating cows. In Experiment 1, we determined effects of dose of CPE on cows’ voluntary intake and milk performance whereas, in Experiment 2, we measured effects of 40 g CPE addition per kg total mixed ration (TMR) dry matter (DM) fed to lactating cows divided into three subgroups on udder health and milk production. In Experiment 1, effects of 10 g CPE/kg DM and 40 g CPE/kg DM addition resulted in a 3.9% and 4.9% increase in voluntary intake, respectively, compared to control cows. The higher intake and lower clinical mastitis incidences in cows fed 40, 20 and 10 g CPE/kg DM supplements were reflected in a concomitant increase of 8.2%, 2.65% and 5.4%, respectively, in milk production compared to control cows. Milk antioxidant activity in cows fed the CPE supplements increased by 15.0–17.2% relative to control cows. In Experiment 2, 200 cows were divided into pairs to produce three subgroups fed control TMR and three subgroups fed 40 g CPE/kg DM supplement mixed into the TMR. Each of the two low somatic cell count (L-SCC) subgroups (control versus CPE) used 34 cows in mid-lactation, whereas the two high somatic cell count (H-SCC) subgroups (control versus CPE) each used 33 cows in mid-lactation, and two other subgroups (control versus CPE) each used 33 cows in early lactation. The three subgroups fed CPE produced more milk than their respective control subgroups, their milk SCC was lower, and the proportion of H-SCC cows at the end of the experiment was lower. Larger response to CPE addition on milk and milk energy yields seemed to occur in cows suffering from chronic mastitis and in cows in early lactation.

Two experiments were conducted in two consecutive years. Exp. 1 (2008) was aimed at examining the effects of fertilizing three 1-ha fields with fresh dairy manure that was either weed contaminated (CM) or non-contaminated (NCM), as compared to chemical fertilization (CF). Five 10-m 2 subplots in each field treatment were analyzed for yield, composition, and in vitro digestibility of forage mass, wheat and weed plants, and changes in soil properties. Higher forage wheat yields were obtained in the CM and NCM treatments (9.45 and 9.41 t dry matter (DM)/ha, respectively) than in the CF treatment (7.56 t DM/ha, P 3 NCM/ha (designated 60-NCM and 120-NCM, respectively), with CF as the control treatment. The three fields were sprayed with herbicide to reduce weed contamination ( Escherichia coli and Salmonella , did not survive in either the soil or the wheat plants during the growing seasons. The increase in wheat yield and digestibility due to dairy manure fertilization was related to the improvement in soil water retention and nutrient availability following this treatment. Adoption of this technology is expected to increase net profits in the dairy industry.

This study measured the effects of replacing corn silage and vetch hay by soy hulls in total mixed rations (TMRs) fed to 25 pairs of cows through 90 d in milk, on dry matter (DM) intake, in vivo digestibility, milk yield and composition, onset of normal estrous activity, body condition score (BCS), health and the energy balance of lactating cows. The partitioning of metabolizable energy (ME) intake between heat production (HP) and retained energy (RE) in milk and body change of each cow was measured. The two TMRs differed in the content of forage and forage aNDFom [235 g/kg versus 350 g/kg; and 128 g/kg versus 187 g/kg DM, in the experimental (EXP) and control (CON) diets, respectively]. This was reflected by an increase in voluntary DM intake by 7.2% (P=0.02) in the EXP group as compared with the CON. In vivo DM and aNDFom digestibility were 4.9% (P=0.03) and 22.7% higher (P=0.01), respectively, in the EXP group than in the CON. The higher DM intake and digestibility of the EXP TMR were reflected by a concomitant increase of 7.4% in milk yield and 10.8% in RE (P=0.01) of the EXP cows as compared with the CON. The two dietary groups expressed similar somatic cell counts, and metabolic disorders (i.e., ketosis and/or lameness), as well as pedometer activity (steps/h) suggesting similar udder health, behavior and animal welfare. A trend to an earlier return to normal ovarian activity occurred in the EXP cows as reflected by fewer days to 1st ovulation and advanced outset of estrous cycle. Despite the higher RE of the EXP cows, the HP of both groups was maintained at an upper level of 141–136 MJ/cow/d during the 90 d of the experiment.

Effect of evaporative cooling of pregnant dairy cows under heat load conditions during the dry and close-up period, on mammary gland enzymatic activity and intake of food and water, BCS, and milk performance after calving were measured in two consequent experiments. In experiment 1, 18 dry cows held in tie-stalls in a closed aerated barn under heat load conditions were used to measure the effect of evaporative cooling on the respiratory rate and body temperature, individual intake of food and water, enzymes expression level in mammary gland and adipose tissues, and BCS changes until calving. In experiment 2, two groups of 36 dry cows each, held in a commercial loose housing barn, were used to measure the effects of evaporative cooling under heat load conditions on calves' birth weight, colostrum quality and quantity, BCS changes and milk yield during 90 DIM. The non cooled (NC) cows responded to heat load by increasing their respiratory rate and daily water intake, while elevating their rectal temperature by 0.2–0.3 °C as compared with the cooled (C) cows. The external relief of heat load by the C cows in both experiments was expressed in increasing their voluntary DMI during the dry period as compared with the NC group. In experiment 2 the calves' birth weight of C cows was higher, and their colostrum quality and quantity were improved as compared with the NC group. Cooling also improved significantly BCS gain during the last 21 days until parturition, accompanied with higher cell proliferation process (based on enzymes expression at mRNA level) in the mammary gland of the C cows. Consequently, a significant increase in milk production by 5.3%, protein yield by 5.1%, ECM yield by 4.2% and FCM yield by 4.5%, was demonstrated in the C cows during 90 DIM as compared with the NC group.

Changes in the response of short (Tal) and tall (FS-5) types of forage sorghum varieties to irrigation level during summer and subsequent fall growth were measured with respect to crop yield, assimilate partitioning, chemical composition and digestibility. The digestibility by sheep of silages made from Tal or FS-5 plants grown for summer and fall harvests was also investigated. During summer cycle, FS-5 plants attained maximal height of 3.2 m and stem diameter of 2–2.1 cm, whereas the upper height of Tal plants was lower (1.7–1.8 m, P

The objective of this study was to measure the effect of feeding two total mixed rations (TMRs), differing in their roughage content and in vitro dry matter digestibility, on the respiratory rate, body temperature, eating behavior and energy balance of lactating cows. The partitioning of metabolizable energy intake (MEI) between heat production (HP) and retained energy (RE) of cows held under heat load conditions was measured. Forty-two lactating cows were divided into two similar sub-groups, each of 21 animals, and were fed either a control (CON) ration containing 18% roughage neutral detergent fiber (NDF) or an experimental (EXP) TMR that contained 12% roughage NDF and used soy hulls as partial wheat silage replacer. The in vitro DM digestibility of the CON and EXP TMRs was 75.3 and 78.6%, respectively (P

The objective of this study was to measure the effect of feeding two total mixed rations (TMRs), differing in their roughage content and in vitro dry matter (DM) digestibility, on the physiological response and energy balance of lactating cows. The partitioning of metabolizable energy intake (MEI) between heat production (HP) and retained energy (RE) of cows held under hot weather conditions and external evaporative cooling was measured. In all, 42 lactating cows were divided into two similar sub-groups, each of 21 animals, and were fed either a control (CON) ration containing 18% roughage neutral detergent fiber (NDF) or an experimental (EXP) TMR containing 12% roughage NDF and used soy hulls as partial wheat silage replacer. The in vitro DM digestibility of the CON and EXP TMR was 75.3% and 78.6%, respectively (P < 0.05). All cows were cooled by evaporative cooling for 2 adaptation weeks plus 6 experimental weeks under hot weather conditions. The EXP diet reduced rectal temperature and respiratory rate of the cows while increasing their DM intake (DMI) from 23.1 to 24.7 kg/cow per day, milk yield from 41.9 to 44.2 kg and yield of energy-corrected milk from 38.7 to 39.7 kg, as compared with the CON group. Cows fed the EXP TMR had increased RE in milk and body tissue, as compared with the CON group, but the diets had no effect on the measured HP that was maintained constant (130.4 v. 130.8 MJ/cow per day) in the two groups. The measured MEI (MEI = RE + HP) and the efficiency of MEI utilization for RE production were also similar in the two dietary groups.

This study examined the biomass yield and nutritive value for lactating cows of two sorghum silages, a new brown mid-rib BMR-101 variety (BMR) and the commercial hybrid FS-5 widely used in Israel, in comparison with the corn Oropesa silage. Forages were grown in a Mediterranean climate in five replicate plots, harvested by a combine harvester at the soft dough stage and ensiled in bunker silos. The BMR plants had high degree of lodging, and the yield of forage dry matter (DM) was highest for corn, intermediate for FS-5 and lowest for BMR. Ensiling resulted in moderate DM losses for corn and FS-5 and higher losses for BMR, but all silages were stable after exposure to air. The in vitro DM digestibility (IVDMD) of BMR and corn silages were similar and higher than that of the FS-5 silage. Forty-two milking cows were assigned into three groups of 14 cows each, that were similar in their initial performance and DM intake, and fed three total mixed rations (TMR) containing either BMR, FS-5 or corn silages as the basal forage, in a 3 × 3 Latin square design. Each period consisted of 2 adaptation weeks to the TMR plus 5 data collection weeks. There were no differences in DM intake among cows fed the three silage-based TMR, but the number of voluntary daily meals per cow was higher for the FS-5-fed group versus the BMR and corn groups. In contrast, DM intake per meal and average meal duration were higher for the cows fed the corn and BMR-based TMR. Rate of feed consumption and daily eating duration were similar in the three treatments. Milk yield of the cows fed the corn-based TMR was higher than that of the FS-5 group, while that of BMR group was intermediate (42.1 vs. 40.7 and 41.4 kg /d, respectively). The two groups fed the sorghum TMR had higher milk fat production, while the group fed corn silage TMR had higher milk and milk protein production and moderate milk fat yield and content, as well as the lowest loss of body weight (BW). However, silage yield per hectare, digestibility of the silage, and availability of water for irrigation are the dominant parameters when deciding which forage varieties to grow.

This study examines the yield, composition, digestibility and ensiling properties of the new sorghum brown-midrib hybrid BMR-101. The commercial forage sorghum FS-5 was used as a reference variety. Forages were grown in a typical Mediterranean climate in five replicate plots, irrigated with 250 mm water, combine harvested at the soft dough stage and ensiled under both laboratory and commercial conditions. Both varieties were tall (>2.0 m). The dry matter (DM) content at harvest of FS-5 was higher than that of BMR-101 (296 g/kg forage versus 255 g/kg forage, P versus 16.7%, P versus 9.89 t/ha, P In vitro DM digestibility of the two silages was similar, but in vitro NDF digestibility was higher for BMR-101 silage than FS-5 silage (P versus 6.13 t/ha, P

Based on a previous ensiling study in glass silos of various pomegranate pulp (PP) mixtures, fresh pomegranate pulp (PP) was mixed with drier feeds including soy hulls and corn silage (40:35:25 on DM basis) and ensiled in 32 pressed bales (700 kg each) wrapped with stretch polyethylene film. This ensiled pomegranate pulp mixture (PPM) was included in lactating cow total mixed ration (TMR) at a level of 20% of DM (PPM-TMR). Performance and digestion experiment was conducted with two groups of 21 milking cows each, fed individually one of the two TMR: 1. Control TMR without ensiled PPM; 2. Experimental TMR which contained 20% ensiled PPM, including 8% PP as corn grain replacer. Voluntary DM intake of cows fed the control TMR was 5·04% higher than that of the PPM cows. In vivo digestibility of DM, OM, NDF, CP and fat were significantly higher in the control cows compared with the PPM group, but methane production in the rumen fluid was 25% lower in the PPM cows. A slightly higher milk yield (by 2·2%) observed in the control cows; however, milk fat content was 5·9% higher in the PPM cows. This was reflected in similar yield of energy corrected milk (ECM) and 3·97% increase in production efficiency (ECM/DM intake) of the PPM cows compared with the control ones. Welfare of the cows, as assessed by length of daily recumbence time, was in the normal range for both groups. Body weight gain was also similar in both groups. Data suggest that the level of 8% PP in the PPM-TMR used in this study was probably too high for lactating cows and should be lowered to 4% in order to achieve better performance.

The potential of soy hulls to replace barley grain in pellets supplemented to lactating cows was measured in automatic concentrate feeders (ACF). Thirty-six cows were divided into 2 equal groups and fed 1 of the 2 experimental pellet supplements individually for 7 wk. All cows were group-fed a basic mixture along the feeding lane (~64% of dietary DM) plus a pelleted additive containing 50% barley or soy hulls as barley replacer, fed individually to each cow via the ACF in 6 feeding windows. Extent and rate of in vitro DM digestibility were similar for both types of pellets; however, NDF content and digestibility were higher in the soy hulls pellets. Average number of rewarded cow visits at the ACF, pellets intake per meal, and accumulated intake of pellets (8.64 kg/d DM) were similar in the 2 experimental groups. Most pellets were consumed during day and night in the first 2 h after feeding windows were opened. Total visits per day in the ACF and the maximal interval between visits were similar for the 2 pellets, indicating similar attractiveness to the cow. Predicted intake of the basic mixture was similar in both groups (14.8 to 15.1 kg of DM/d). Higher milk fat content was observed in the soy hulls-fed cows, whereas higher milk protein content was found in the barley-fed cows. Milk yield was similar in both groups. Data suggest that replacement of barley pellets with soy hulls pellets may slightly enhance milk fat while reducing milk protein production for dairy herds using automatic milking systems.

This study measured the effects of including soyhulls as partial roughage replacement in total mixed rations (TMR) fed to 25 pairs of cows during early lactation, on the dry matter (DM) intake, particle kinetics, rumination, in vivo DM and NDF digestibility, milk and FCM yields, and BW changes. The 2 diets used in this study differed in the content of roughage and roughage NDF [23.5 vs. 35.0%, and 12.8 vs. 18.7% in the experimental (EXP) and control (CON) TMR, respectively]. The EXP TMR contained 20.5% less physically effective NDF than the CON TMR (11.7 vs. 14.1% of DM, respectively). These differences were expressed in a greater intake per meal (by 13.3%), a higher rate of meal intake (by 23.2%), a similar number of meals per day, a shorter daily eating duration (by 13%), and a higher total daily DMI (by 7.2%) in the EXP cows as compared with the CON cows. The in vivo DM and NDF digestibility was higher by 4.9 and 22.7%, respectively, in the EXP cows than in the CON cows. The rumination time for the TMR in the EXP cows was 12.7% (54.3 min/d) shorter than in the CON cows, and this was probably related to the difference of 12.4% in physically effective NDF intake between the 2 groups. Patterns of daily rumination and feed consumption throughout an average day showed a delay of approximately 1 to 2 h between the eating and rumination peaks. Particle flow from the rumen of the EXP cows was characterized by a longer rumen mean retention time (by 17.8%) and longer rumination time per kilogram of roughage ingested (by 23.5%) as compared with the CON cows. Thus, favorable conditions for NDF digestion were created in the rumen of the EXP cows, as reflected in their rumen pH values (6.67). The advantage of the EXP cows in intake and digestibility was reflected in a concomitant increase of 7.4% in milk production and of 9.2% in FCM yield as compared with the CON cows. No difference was found between the 2 groups with respect to efficiency of feed utilization for milk production and BW changes.

This study examines the effect of NaOH treatment on the nutritive value of Pima cottonseed for lactating cows. Treatment of Pima cottonseed with NaOH increased the extent of dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fiber in vitro digestibility. Three groups of cows were fed 3 similar total mixed rations (TMR) differing only in the type of cottonseed fed, either whole linted Akala, whole unlinted Pima, or whole Pima treated with 4% NaOH (T-Pima). Dry matter and organic matter (OM) intakes of Akala and Pima TMR were similar and tended to be lower compared with cows fed T-Pima. This was reflected in similar intake of crude protein and lipids by cows fed the 3 TMR. Digestibility of DM, OM, and crude protein were similar in cows fed Pima and T-Pima diets, and slightly higher in cows fed the Akala TMR. Lipid digestibility was highest in cows fed Akala TMR, whereas cellulose and NDF digestibility were lowest in Pima TMR. In the 3 TMR, there was a large gap between the high values of "digestibility of intact seeds" and actual in vivo digestion of DM and OM. Similar yields of milk and milk protein were obtained in cows fed the Akala and Pima TMR, whereas higher yields of milk, milk protein, milk fat, and 4% fat-corrected milk were found in the T-Pima cows. Similar efficiency of DM intake for fat-corrected milk production was achieved by cows fed the 3 TMR.

The potential of pellets made of soy hulls (SH) and corn gluten feed (CGF) to replace starchy pelleted supplement in diets of lactating cows was measured in a feeding regime comparable to automatic milking systems. Twenty-four cows were divided into 2 equal groups and fed for 7 wk in individual feeders monitored by computer on one of the 2 experimental diets. Both diets contained 75% basic total mixed ration plus an additional 25% of pelleted supplement (17% CP), being either high starch pellets (HST) in treatment, or pellets made of SH + CGF (2:1) (SHCG) in treatment. In vitro dry matter digestibility was higher in the HST pellets, whereas neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility was higher in the SHCG pellets. The NDF content was higher in the SHCG diet. Individual cow behavior at the feeding lane was analyzed during the experimental period. Average number of meals and daily eating duration of the SHCG cows were significantly greater, as compared with the HST group. However, intake per meal and rate of eating were greater in the HST cows, whereas meal duration was similar in both groups. Feeding behavior resulted in significantly higher daily dry matter and NDF intake by the SHCG cows (27.1 and 11.1 kg, respectively) as compared with the HST group (24.8 and 7.61 kg, respectively). Consequently, significantly higher milk fat content, milk fat yield, and 4% FCM yield were obtained in the SHCG cows. Milk and milk protein yields were similar in both treatments. Data suggest potential advantages of the SHCG pellets for herds using automatic milking systems.