Effect of Ration Moisture Level on Value of Alfalfa Plus Cracked Corn as a Complete-Feed Silage for Lactating Cows

Abstract

Twelve Holstein cows were used in a switch-back design to compare the ad libitmn feeding of complete-feed silages containing 68% (H), 53% (M), and 47% (L) moisture. The silages were composed of field-wilted alfalfa and cracked corn added at the time of ensiling to constitute about 50% of the total dry matter. The different moisture levels of silage were obtained by varying ~he period of field wilting. Cows in one block of the two-block design received an alfalfa-corn pellet supplement. The other block received no pellets. In addition, cows received only water and minerals.