EFFECT OF PARTIAL SUBSTITUTION OF IMPROVED GRASSES WITH CORN (Zea mays) OR SORGHUM (Sorghum bicolor) SILAGES ON MILK PRODUCTION OF HOLSTEIN-FRIESIAN x SAHIWAL COWS

Abstract

Effect of partially substituting improved grasses – Napier (Pennisetum purpureum) and Guinea grass (Panicum maximum) combination – with 50% corn or sorghum silages on dry matter intake (DMI), milk production and body condition scores of nine Holstein-Friesian x Sahiwal cows were determined in a 23-day feeding trial. Cows were grouped and distributed following a 3x3 Latin Square Design based on 10-100, 101-200 and >200 days-in-milk (DIM.) No sig­nificant differences were observed on all of the response variables for 10-100 and 101-200 DIM fed with the three treatments. Morning DMI (7.07 kg) and total DMI (13.68 kg) of cows at >200 DIM was greatest (P =0.03) on animals fed 100% improved grass. Corn silage substitution at 50% of total DMI had the highest (P=0.05) afternoon milk yield (3.13 L/day) compared to the other two dietary treatments. In conclusion, corn or sorghum silage can replace im­proved grasses at 50% DM requirement without any general effect on milk production and body condition score.