Comparative Nutritional Value of Eastern Gamagrass and Alfalfa Hay for Dairy Cows

摘要: Abstract Digestibility and feeding value of Eastern gamagrass hay ( Tripsacum dactyloides ) alfalfa Medicago sativa were compared. first second cuttings each was determined using 12 mature wethers in a replicated 4×4 Latin-square design. Apparent digestibilities dry matter, crude protein, acid detergent fiber, neutral fiber for cutting were: 53.6, 68.2, 41.4, 48.7; 54.7, 70.4, 38.3, 41.1; 57.3, 57.7, 60.0, 65.3; 52.3, 50.2, 54.1, 59.1%. about equal to digestibility. In trial, hays compared as energy sources lactating dairy cows with protein intake adjusted by grain mixtures containing 12, 15, or 18% alfalfa, gamagrass, hay, respectively. Intake matter averaged 2.09 9.85 kg/d 1.27 8.97 gamagrass. Milk yield fed higher than that (24.1 vs. 22.9 kg/d). fat tests weight changes similar. Alfalfa superior milk primarily due greater intake.