Sunflower Silage in Rations for Lactating Holstein Cows

Abstract

A lactation trial compared milk production of cows fed alfalfa-grass or sunflower silage rations. Eighteen lactating Holsteins were in a switchback design of three 5-wk periods. Experimental rations were composed of 60% sunflower or alfalfa-grass silage and 40% concentrate (barley and soybean meal) dry matter. The alfalfa-grass silage ration contained more neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber but less ether extract than the sunflower silage ration. Daily intake of dry matter from silage and concentrate was equal between treatment groups. Cows fed sunflower silage consumed less neutral detergent fiber (5.8 versus 7.5 kg) but more ether extract (.84 versus .30 kg) daily than those fed the alfalfa-grass silage rations. No difference in milk production between treatment groups was found (17.5 kg/day). Cows fed sunflower silage had less fat (3.2 versus 3.6%) but equal amounts of protein in milk. Sunflower silage is an acceptable forage for cows in mid to late lactation. © 1982, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.