Abstract

This study evaluated feeding behaviour, dry matter intake (DMI), rumen fermentation and milk production responses of lactating dairy cows supplemented with kale or swedes. Twelve multiparous early lactation dairy cows were randomly allocated to three dietary treatments in a replicated 3 x 3 Latin square. The control diet comprised 10 kg dry matter (DM) of grass silage, 4 kg DM of grass pasture and 8.8 kg DM of concentrate; 25% of the diet was replaced with kale or swedes. Cows supplemented with kale showed a lower DMI compared to cows supplemented with swedes and the control diet; whereas swedes supplementation increased eating time. Milk production responses were not affected by winter brassica supplementation. This resulted in a greater feed conversion efficiency of cows supplemented with kale compared to that of the control diet.

JP, Keim, , O Balocchi, R Pulido, D Pacheco, and S Muetzel

New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production, Volume 78, Lincoln, 125-127, 2018