Effects of Complete Ensiled Ration on Milk Production, Milk Composition, and Rumen Environment of Dairy Cattle

Abstract

Corn silage from the same field was stored in two upright silos. The silage in the first silo contained no additive and was the control. In the second silo, a complete ensiled ration was developed by blending concentrate mixture with chopped corn at ensiling to attain a 60:40 forage to concentrate ratio of dry matter. As fed 1 kg of concentrate mixture was blended with every 4.55 kg of wet forage. The complete ensiled ration was 39.0% dry matter and the mean proximate composition (dry matter) was 15.2% crude protein, 18.2% crude fiber, 1.54 Mcal/kg estimated net energy, 75.2% total digestible nutrients, .60% calcium, and .47% phosphorus. The complete ensiled ration went through a normal fermentation with no signs of heating, molding, or deterioration.