Effects of concentrated separator dried beet pulp on nutrient digestibility, milk production, and preference of Holstein cattle.
Concentrated separator by-product was fed to cattle to determine TDN, milk production, and feed preference. The TDN content of concentrated separator by-product was determined using a substitution method involving a basal diet of alfalfa and grass hay and a treatment diet of alfalfa and grass hay plus 10% added concentrated separator by-product. Four ruminally cannulated cows in a replicated 2 x 2 Latin square design were used. The estimated TDN content of concentrated separator by-product was 59.3%. Twenty midlactation dairy cows were fed either a control ration containing 20% molasses dried beet pulp or a treatment ration containing 20% concentrated separator by-product dried beet pulp. Cows in the treatment group produced significantly less daily milk and 3.5% FCM than the control group. Percentages of milk fat, protein, lactose, and SNF were not different between treatments. Eight Holstein heifers were used to determine feed preference. Heifers were given a choice among 20% molasses dried beet pulp (control) or 10, 15, or 30% concentrated separator by-product dried beet pulp. Heifers showed no preference between 10 or 15% concentrated separator by-product dried beet pulp and control, but preferred the control over the 30% concentrated separator by-product dried beet pulp.
Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan 84322-4815.
R D
RD
Wiedmeier
C W
CW
Arave
M J
MJ
Arambel
B A
BA
Kent
J L
JL
Walters
D000821:Animal Feed; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000523:psychology; D004063:Digestion / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005511:Food Handling; D005518:Food Preferences; D007774:Lactation; D008892:Milk / Q000378:metabolism*; D012417:Rumen / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000601:surgery; D014675:Vegetables / Q000378:metabolism