Maximum Forage for Dairy Cows: Review

Abstract

The following are important considerations in efforts to increase forage and to decrease grain in diets fed to dairy cows. 1) Forage quality — of foremost concern. 2) Forage type vs state of lactation — higher energy density diets may be useful postcalving. 3) Improved ways to conserve or harvest forages — the use of preservatives such as formic acid offer potential for hay-crop silage. 4) Physical form of forage — chopping fineness must be adequate but still provide adequate roughage (scratch) to prevent the problems discussed. 5) Feed additives — such additivies as buffers, including sodium bicarbonate, limestone, and magnesium oxide offer potential. 6) Use of complete diets — can be beneficial along with increased feeding frequency which will enhance intake and efficiency of utilization of the diet. In the final analysis, however, there must be a combination or balance of all these factors if progress is to be toward the goal of increasing forge and decreasing grain for lactating dairy cows while maximizing profit. © 1981, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.