Project Number: 3655-31000-018-08
Project Type: Specific C/A

Start Date: May 21, 2004
End Date: Sep 30, 2005

Objective:
The objectives of this research project are to: 1) compare ensilability and in vitro digestibility of kura clover grown alone or in a mixture with reed canarygrass to alfalfa when harvested at similar NDF concentrations; 2) compare ensilability and in vitro digestibility of corn grown in a kura clover living mulch system with & without climbing beans; and 3) conduct a lactating cow trial comparing kura clover grown together with reed canarygrass with alfalfa for intake, milk production, & apparent digestibility.

Approach:
Alfalfa, kura clover, and kura clover-reed canarygrass plots will be harvested at 3 NDF contents (35, 40, & 45%) and ensiled in 1-L glass silos. After a minimum of 30-days ensiling, silos will be opened and analyzed for pH, fermentation products, soluble carbohydrates, protein fractions, fiber content, in vitro dry matter, & NDF digestibility. Similarly, corn will be grown in a kura clover living mulch system with or without climbing beans (lablab bean, scarlet runner bean, & velvet bean). Plots will be harvested when the corn is at 1/2 milkline. The forage will be chopped & ensiled in 1-L glass silos. After a minimum of 30-days ensiling, silos will be opened & analyzed for pH, fermentation products, soluble carbohydrates, protein fractions, fiber content, in vitro dry matter, and NDF digestibility. Alfalfa & kura clover-reed canarygrass fields will be harvested when NDF content in each field is 40%. The forages will be wilted to 40-45% DM, harvested with a field chopper, & ensiled in horizontal bag silos. A feeding trial will be conducted with 20 lactating Holstein cows fed total mixed rations to contain 60% forage silage in a replicated crossover design. Experimental periods will be 28 days with the first 21 days for diet adaptation & the last 7 days for sample collection & measurement of intake, milk production, & apparent digestibility.

Project Team

Muck, Richard Kenneth Albrecht - Professor 608-264-5245

Related National Programs

Food Animal Production (101)