Skip to main content
ARS Home » Northeast Area » University Park, Pennsylvania » Pasture Systems & Watershed Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #121542
Title: CHARACTERISTICS OF FORAGES AND TMR FED TO DAIRY COWS IN WASHINGTON STATE DAIRY HERDS PRODUCING IN EXCESS OF 12,730 KG OF MILK ANNUALLY

Author
item JOHNSON, L - WASHINGTON STATE UNIV.
item HARRISON, J - WASHINGTON STATE UNIV.
item SCHAGER, W - WASHINGTON STATE UNIV.
item DAVIDSON, D - WASHINGTON STATE UNIV.
item CHEN, S - WASHINGTON STATE UNIV.
item STOCKLE, C - WASHINGTON STATE UNIV.
item HOISINGTON, F - DARI-TECH SERVICES
item Rotz, Clarence - Al

Submitted to: Journal of Dairy Science
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/21/2001
Publication Date: 5/21/2001
Citation: JOHNSON, L.M., HARRISON, J.H., SCHAGER, W., DAVIDSON, D., CHEN, S., STOCKLE, C., HOISINGTON, F., ROTZ, C.A. CHARACTERISTICS OF FORAGES AND TMR FED TO DAIRY COWS IN WASHINGTON STATE DAIRY HERDS PRODUCING IN EXCESS OF 12,730 KG OF MILK ANNUALLY. JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE. VOL. 84. SUPPL. 1. P. 122. 2001.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The chemical composition of forages and total mixed rations from seven Holstein dairy herds producing greater than 12,730 kg of milk annually were characterized to identify factors that contributed to high production. Forages and mixed rations for the high producing mature cow string in each herd were analyzed for CP, acid detergent insoluble CP (ADICP), starch, NDF, fat, Ca, P, Mg, K, and dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD). The concentration of CP and NDF in the mixed rations were above the latest ranges in requirements recommended by the National Research Council for high producing mature cows in early lactation, except for NDF concentrations at one farm. The concentration of ADCIP was under 2%, indicating minimal bound protein in the diets. Calcium concentrations ranged from 23 to 78% greater, and P concentrations ranged from 13 to 32% greater than National Research Council recommended levels for a sample diet tthat had similar animal and feed characteristics to this study. Magnesium concentrations were 33 to 129% greater, and K concentrations were 42 to 87% greater than recommended levels for a sample diet. The DCAD concentration in the mixed rations was between 26 and 39 meq/100g DM. These levels for DCAD in early lactation postpartum diets have been shown to maximize milk production in other studies. The corn silages ranged from 47 to 57% NDF and from 13 to 26% starch. The alfalfa hay samples ranged from 19 to 28% CP and from 38 to 46% NDF.