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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Madison, Wisconsin » U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center » Dairy Forage Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #354433
Research Project: Forage Characteristics and Utilization that Improve Efficiency of Growth, Performance, Nutrient Use, and Environmental Impacts of Dairy Production

Location: Dairy Forage Research

Title: Utilization of silages in the diets of high producing dairy cows: Limitations and opportunities

Author
item Kalscheur, Kenneth
item ROBINSON, PETER - University Of California, Davis
item Hatfield, Ronald

Submitted to: International Silage Conference
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/29/2018
Publication Date: 7/24/2018
Citation: Kalscheur, K., Robinson, P.H., Hatfield, R.D. 2018. Utilization of silages in the diets of high producing dairy cows: Limitations and opportunities. International Silage Conference in XVIII International Silage Conference, Bonn, Germany. Proceedings pages 368-373.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Silage is an integral ingredient in the diets of lactating dairy cows in temperate regions of the world. In North America, silages formulated into the diets of high-producing dairy cows are predominantly corn silage and alfalfa silage along with smaller usage of other forages such as small grain silage and grass silage. Different challenges exist for different forages crops that are ensiled. These challenges affect how dairy nutritionists utilize these silages in the diets of high producing dairy cows. Challenges include finding the best way to utilize the nitrogen provided by the silage without losing it as waste and how to best utilize the carbohydrates in forages through improved ruminal digestibility. Overall, the goal as a dairy nutritionist is to utilize as much forage as possible in the diet without limiting intake, and ultimately, to improve milk production.