Alkali-Treated and Raw Sugarcane Bagasse as Roughages in Complete Rations for Lactating Cows

Abstract

Forty percent alkali-treated (2% NaOH for 24 hr) and raw sugarcane bagasse, combined with 27% cane molasses, 18.45% shelled corn, 10% tunafish meal, 2.5% urea, and 2.05% other ingredients were evaluated in complete rations, group fed ad libitum, along with a control of grazing plus supplemental nonbulky concentrates at .36 kg per kilogram of milk. Sixteen cows completed the 300-day experiment in each of the complete rations and 14 in the control. Daily consumptions of treated and raw-bagasse complete rations and of control concentrates averaged 16.5, 14.2, and 6.0 kg. Daily milk productions were 17.2, 12.5, and 16.5 kg, with raw-bagasse inferior at P <01. Daily liveweight gain, .04 kg, by raw-bagasse cows was less (P