Effect of forage-type on milk production and on some milk characteristics [dairy cows]
1993
Migliorati, L. | Pirlo, G. | Forino, M. (Istituto Sperimentale per la Zootecnia, Rome (Italy)) | Calamari, L. | Maianti, M.G. | Cappa, V. (Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza (Italy). Istituto di Zootecnica)
In order to verify whether maize silage influences milk characteristics in comparison to hay, two lots of 40 Italian Friesian cows were fed diet (S) with maize silage (7.5 kg DM) and hay (3.5 kg DM) or diet (F) with only hay (9.7 kg DM) as forages, for 420 days. In lot S 28 cows (of which 13 heifers) were monitored, in lot F, 31 (of which 13 heifers). The feed intake for each lot was recorded daily; the individual yield and some milk characteristics (fat, protein, lactose, pH, titratable acidity, lactodinamometric characteristics, creaming activity and fermentation rate) were recorded monthly from day 80 to day 280 of lactation. Maize silage caused a significant increase in milk acidity (3.56 vs 3.45 degree SH/50 ml) and creaming activity (56.03 vs 52.30%) and a decrease in pH (6.65 vs 6.68) and fermentation rate (0.37 vs 0.54 pH difference 0-3.5/h). Functionality of the mammary epithelium was better in S with higher values for lactose (P lower than 0.001). The negative effect of maize silage on the fermentation rate may explain the more frequent problems in cheese production encountered in areas where this feed is largely used
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