J. Anim Sci.
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J. Anim Sci. 1962. 21:439-443.
© 1962 American Society of Animal Science
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Physical Form and Composition of Hay on Lactation, Rumen Development and Digestibility1

R. A. Alexander2 and J. F. Hentges, Jr.

Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, Gainesville3

Abstract

Twenty-four lactating first-calf heifers were fed in dry lot for 126 days on various treatments of Coastal bermudagrass hay (ad libitum) supplemented with defluorinated phosphate and trace mineralized salt. The treatments were: hay fertilized with 100 lb. nitrogen per acre and fed in long form (100N-L); hay fertilized with 200 lb. nitrogen per acre and fed in long form (200N-L) and finely ground form (200N-G). Digestion trials were conducted on these hays plus 200N-G hay in 3/8-in. pellets (200N-P).

Lactating cows fed these hays had average weight losses of 0.6 to 0.7 lb per day; however, calves nursing these cows gained from 0.7 to 1.0 lb. per day. Lactating cows fed hay ground through a 1/4 in. mesh screen (200N-G) lost less weight, produced heavier calves and consumed slightly more dry matter than cows fed long hay (200N-L). Although not statistically significant, rumen total volatile fatty acid concentrations were higher for ground than long hay. A narrower acetic to propionic acid ratio was observed with ground hay. Moisture and fat-free epithelium per 100 lb. empty body weight was heaviest in cows fed ground hay.

Digestion trials with steers and wethers showed higher digestibility of protein (P<.01) for 200N-L over 100N-L hay and 200N-L over 200N-P hay (P<.05). Crude fiber digestibility was lower (P<.01) in ground and pelleted hays but N-free extract and ether extract digestion coefficients were higher (P<.01).

Footnotes

1 Florida Agricultural Experiment Station Journal Series No. 1408.

2 Present address: Middle Tennessee State College, Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

3 Department of Animal Science.






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