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Intake and Digestibility of Low-Quality Meadow Hay by Cattle Receiving Various Levels of Whole Shelled Corn¹

University of Nebraska², North Platte 69101

Abstract

Two trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of whole shelled corn supplementation on intake and digestibility of low-quality meadow hay by cattle. In Trial 1, four ruminally cannulated steers (avg BW 418 kg) were used in a latin square design with four treatments (no corn or corn fed at .25%, .50% or .75% of BW). Hay DMI decreased (P = .002) linearly .43 g for each gram of increase in corn intake. In contrast, total diet DMI increased (P = .001) linearly as level of corn supplementation increased. Apparent DM digestibility of the diet increased (P = .026) linearly, whereas hay DM digestibility was not affected (P > .05) by supplemental com, although the DM digestion coefficient for hay alone was 24% higher than for hay fed with corn at .75% of BW. Ruminal ammonia concentration and pH were not affected (P > .05) by treatments; however, ratio of acetate:propionate and acetate:butyrate responded (P .097) quadratically to increased corn supplementation. Corn supplementation resulted in a cubic (P .081) decrease in meadow hay NDF disappearance from nylon bags suspended in the rumen at all incubation intervals after 4 h. In Trial 2, 45 crossbred, nonlactating, pregnant cows (avg BW 474 kg) were used in a completely randomized design with three treatments (no corn, .91 and 1.81 kg corn·hd^–1·d^–1). Cow performance was not altered (P > .05) by treatments. Yet, hay DMI decreased (P .034) either linearly (.72 kg for each kg increase in corn intake) or quadratically as corn supplementation increased for each of the 13 wk, except during wk 1, 8 and 9 (P > .05). These studies indicate that whole shelled corn supplement will decrease intake of a low-quality forage, although its digestibility and animal performance may not be significantly affected.

¹ Journal paper no. 8794 Univ. of Nebraska Agric. Res. Div.

² West Central Res. and Ext. Center.