J. Anim Sci.
HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced]


     

This Article
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Services
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrow reprints & permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Driedger, L. J.
Right arrow Articles by Loerch, S. C.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Driedger, L. J.
Right arrow Articles by Loerch, S. C.

Journal of Animal Science, Vol 77, Issue 4 967-972, Copyright © 1999 by American Society of Animal Science

JOURNAL ARTICLE

Limit-feeding corn as an alternative to hay reduces manure and nutrient output by Holstein cows

L. J. Driedger and S. C. Loerch
Department of Animal Sciences, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center and The Ohio State University, Wooster 44691, USA.

Efficiency of limit-feeding a whole shelled corn-based diet as an alternative to a conventional forage-based diet for nonlactating dairy cattle was determined. Twelve nonlactating, multiparous Holstein cows (initial BW 642+/-50 kg) were used in a randomized complete block design. Nutrient digestibility, excretion of DM, N, and P, performance of cows, and feed costs were measured. Both diets were formulated to provide equal daily intakes of NE1, protein, vitamins, and minerals, according to National Research Council recommendations. Dry matter intake was restricted by 30% for cows fed the high-corn diet compared with the high-forage diet (6.8 vs 9.6 kg/ d, respectively); therefore, concentrations of nutrients in the high-corn diet were increased to compensate for decreased DMI. Diets were fed once daily, and cows had unlimited access to fresh water. After a 28-d adaptation period, cows were placed in metabolism stalls for a 6-d total collection of feces and urine. The limit-fed, high-corn diet had a 15% greater DM digestibility than the high-forage diet. A 29% decrease in DMI for the high-corn diet vs the high-forage diet resulted in a 40% decrease in fecal DM excretion. Starch digestibility and digestibility of whole corn kernels were not affected (P > or = .62) by diet. Despite similar N intakes, total N excretion was 22% greater (P < .01) for cows fed the high-forage diet than for those limit-fed the high-grain diet. Cow weight and condition score change did not differ (P > .10) between diets. Feed costs were reduced by $.38/d with the high-corn diet vs the high-forage diet. Limit-feeding a corn-based diet is an economically and nutritionally viable alternative to forage-based diets for nonlactating Holstein cows.


This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
 J DAIRY SCIHome page
S. R. Hill, K. F. Knowlton, R. E. James, R. E. Pearson, G. L. Bethard, and K. J. Pence
Nitrogen and Phosphorus Retention and Excretion in Late-Gestation Dairy Heifers
J Dairy Sci, December 1, 2007; 90(12): 5634 - 5642.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J DAIRY SCIHome page
P. C. Hoffman, C. R. Simson, and M. Wattiaux
Limit Feeding of Gravid Holstein Heifers: Effect on Growth, Manure Nutrient Excretion, and Subsequent Early Lactation Performance
J Dairy Sci, February 1, 2007; 90(2): 946 - 954.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J ANIM SCIHome page
M. A. Gorocica-Buenfil and S. C. Loerch
Effect of cattle age, forage level, and corn processing on diet digestibility and feedlot performance
J Anim Sci, March 1, 2005; 83(3): 705 - 714.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
Copyright © 1999 by the American Society of Animal Science.