Comparative Feeding Value of Wheat, Corn, Barley, Milo, Oats, and a Mixed Concentrate Ration for Lactating Cows

Abstract

Pelleted grain rations containing 95.7% of either wheat, corn, barley, milo, oats, or a control mixed grain ration were compared in digestion, lactation, and acceptability trials. In the lactation trial, alfalfa hay and grain were fed in an approximate 55:45 ratio. In the acceptability trial, hay was restricted to 1% of body weight and grain was fed ad libitum. In the lactation and acceptability trials, there were no significant (P > .05) differences between treatments in yield of daily milk, fat-corrected milk, solids-not-fat, or milk protein. Differences in dry matter, digestible protein, and total digestible nutrient consumption did not result in differences in milk production. Feed intake data and visual observations in the acceptability trial indicated that milo, followed by oats, was the most acceptable of the pelleted grain rations, whereas corn was the least acceptable. Results of both trials indicated that although there was some difference in acceptability of the grain rations when forage was restricted, under a 45:55 grain-to-hay ratio the six rations were similar in effect on milk production when the individual grain represented 95% of the concentrate mixture. © 1969, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.