Satellite Symposium 2: Silage

Description

Condensed tannins (CT) bind to plant proteins in the rumen, reducing protein degradation to ammonia and increasing milk production and milk protein (e.g. Waghorn, 1987). Previous research showed that the reduced soluble non-protein nitrogen (NPN) content of red clover (Trifolium pratense) silage (RCS) was related to its greater N efficiency relative to lucerne (Medicago sativa) silage (LS) (Broderick et al., 2001). Commercial cultivars of birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus; BFT) contain modest levels of CT which reduce NPN formation in silage (Albrecht & Muck, 1991). The objective was to compare silages made from BFT with RCS and LS for milk production and N efficiency in lactating dairy cows.

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Effects of Feeding Legume Silage With Differing Tannin Levels on Lactating Dairy Cattle

Condensed tannins (CT) bind to plant proteins in the rumen, reducing protein degradation to ammonia and increasing milk production and milk protein (e.g. Waghorn, 1987). Previous research showed that the reduced soluble non-protein nitrogen (NPN) content of red clover (Trifolium pratense) silage (RCS) was related to its greater N efficiency relative to lucerne (Medicago sativa) silage (LS) (Broderick et al., 2001). Commercial cultivars of birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus; BFT) contain modest levels of CT which reduce NPN formation in silage (Albrecht & Muck, 1991). The objective was to compare silages made from BFT with RCS and LS for milk production and N efficiency in lactating dairy cows.