Project Number: 3655-31000-018-07
Project Type: Trust

Start Date: Jun 03, 2004
End Date: Sep 30, 2006

Objective:
To determine how storage structure affects alfalfa silage dry matter losses and quality and subsequent intake and milk production by lactating dairy cows.

Approach:
Two identical trials will be conducted in 2004 and 2005, using second- or third-cutting alfalfa. Alfalfa will be ensiled in one bunker silo (16' x 72' x 12'), one pressed bag silo (8' diam. x 170') and one oxygen-limiting silo (14' x 50'). Each load of alfalfa will be weighed, and a grab sample will be taken for moisture and quality analysis. All three silos will be opened and emptied at the same time after a minimum storage time of 60 days. All silage removed from each structure (both fed and spoiled) will be weighed and recorded. During the course of emptying the silos, a lactation trial will be performed, preferably under warm conditions. The trial will be a replicated 3 x 3 Latin square. Forty-five cows in early lactation will be used in the trial; 15 will be assigned to each diet. The diet will consist of 50% alfalfa silage and 50% concentrates, and will be balanced to the same NDF content across treatments. Cows will be fed individually in tie stalls ad libitum with approximately 10% refusal. Cows will be adapted to each ration for three weeks. In the fourth week, intakes and milk production will be recorded daily.

Project Team

Muck, Richard Broderick, Glen

Related National Programs

Food Animal Production (101)