Utilization of Chopped, Wafered, and Pelleted Native Meadow Hay by Weaned Hereford Calves

Abstract

Native meadow hay was fed as the sole diet in coarsely chopped, wafered, and pelleted forms to weaned Hereford calves. Hay consumption and rate of gain were significantly increased while hay refusals were significantly decreased as a result of pelleting. Apparent digestibility of nutrients among the three forms of hay was not significantly different. Digestibility trends did, however, indicate a depression in dry matter, cellulose, and energy digestion and an increase in protein digestion as a result of pelleting meadow hay. Refused portions of chopped and wafered hays were consistently higher in crude protein and lower in cellulose content than these hays as offered. Conversely, pelleted hay refusals were higher in cellulose and lower in crude protein than the pellets initially fed.