forage

Bijeenkomst: EGF2015
Auteur: Mantovi P., Dal Prà A., Pacchioli M.T. and Ligabue M.
ISBN: 978-9090-289-61-8
Jaar van uitgifte: 2015
Producttype: Paper
In the Po river valley, which represents the largest plain area of Northern Italy, the two main dairy farming systems are associated with cheese production: one for Grana Padano (GP) cheese using silage as the main forage source, and the other for Parmigiano-Reggiano (PR) cheese using hay, where silage fodders are banned to prevent Clostridium contamination and potential swelling defects in the cheese with the lengthy seasoning times. Maize silage is the mainstay forage base for fresh milk and GP cheese forage systems. Farm forage self-sufficiency is not always possible, mainly due to dry seasons and/or the practice of maize monoculture. In addition to the difficulties arising from low quantity production, problems of fodder safety (e.g. mycotoxins contamination of maize grain) and nutritional value occur. Regulations in force for PR production set the minimum level of dry matter intake from hay at 50% of dairy cows’ rations. Difficulties arise in optimizing nutritional values and dry-matter intake when poor quality forages are available. Research is ongoing to evaluate the optimal alfalfa-grass mix, investigating how to maximize forage nutritional value and digestibility. Moreover, both dairy farming systems are highly dependent on imported feedstuffs: soybean from overseas, maize and other starch grains. Ongoing research activities are seeking to establish whether maize or soybean can be partially replaced by other crops (e.g. sorghum, triticale, grains with high protein content, alfalfa and grain legumes).

Bijeenkomst: EGF2015
Auteur: Røjen B.A. and Kristensen N.B.
ISBN: 978-9090-289-61-8
Jaar van uitgifte: 2015
Producttype: Paper
The botanical composition of clover-grass silage is said to affect nutritive value and nutrient degradation kinetics. But does the production response of the cow reflect the standard chemical analysis which underlies the determination of feed value, and the morphological differences between grasses and clover? This study aims to investigate the effect of clover-grass silages differing in botanical composition on feed intake and milk yield. A 4×4 Latin square was carried out with first-cut 2013 silages under controlled conditions. Silage based on perennial ryegrass with white clover gave the highest intake and energycorrected milk (ECM) yield together with a tall fescue-based silage. The latter was surprising, given the general lower organic matter digestibility of tall fescue. Silage based on perennial and hybrid ryegrass with red and white clover produced the lowest intake and ECM. Unexpectedly, the measured variable which correlated best with the results was the content of red clover in the silages: intake and ECM decreased linearly with increasing content of red clover. This may, however, be confounded with effects of grass varieties among treatments. Results indicate that intake and production response may not be described solely by a standard chemical analysis of the silage, and that botanical effects have an effect on the cows.