Effects of Varying Dietary Particle Size on Feeding Behavior and Digestive Function of Dairy Cattle
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Authors
Pittman, Heather
Issue Date
1998
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
Varying the particle size of feed in a dairy cow's diet has different effects on the
biological function of the dairy cow, particularly feed and water intake and rumen
function. Four nonpregnant, nonlactating Holstein dairy cows were fed four different
dietary treatments that varied in particle size. A 4 x 4 Latin Square design was utilized to
compare four different dietary treatments: long alfalfa hay, chopped alfalfa hay, corn
silage, and alfalfa haylage/dry shelled cracked corn (50:50, 100% dry basis). The dietary
treatments were offered ad Ii hitum for the first week (Trial I) and restricted the second
week by 50% of the ad libitum intake (Trial II) in each experimental period. The variables
observed and measured throughout the experiment were: particle size, daily feed intake,
rumen contraction rates, activity measures, and water consumption. Statistical analyses of
Trial I and Trial II were performed separately with significance declared at P< 0.1. All
dietary treatments differed in average particle size distribution (P< 0.0001). Feed intake
for the ad libitum and restricted periods was not affected by treatment. There was no
significant effect of treatment on rumination rates in either Trial. Dietary treatment did
affect free water (drinking) consumption during both the ad libitum (P< 0.002) and
restricted periods (P< 0.07). Therefore, the results of this experiment show that particle
size of feed does affect the dairy cow, and that particle size should be seriously considered
when preparing a dairy cow's ration so that optimal performance and health will be
achieved and maintained.
Description
vi, 37 p.
Citation
Publisher
Kalamazoo College
License
U.S. copyright laws protect this material. Commercial use or distribution of this material is not permitted without prior written permission of the copyright holder.