| The effect of barley differing in planting date on in vitro fibre digestibility (IVFD), and its effects on the productivity of lactating dairy cows were evaluated. Whole crop barley planted in June (BJ) had greater IVFD compared to that planted in May (BM). However, there was no effect of treatment on dry matter intake and milk yield. Total tract nutrient digestibility was greater and body weight gain tended to be greater for cows fed BJ compared to those fed BM. Multiparous cows fed BJ increased body condition score gain. Forages can improve the energy balance of animals by increasing the digestibility, but may not improve milk production unless physical fill limits their feed intake. In another study, the efficacy of two digestion markers was compared, and it was found that the method using in situ indigestible neutral detergent fibre as an internal maker provided repeatable measurements. |
