Evaluation of Wet Corn Gluten Feed, Oatlage, Sorghum-Soybean Silage, and Alfalfa Haylage for Dairy Heifers

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Feeding value of wet corn gluten feed for dairy heifers was determined alone and in comparison with alfalfa haylage, oatlage and sorghum-soybean silage. Wet corn gluten feed was ensiled in a plastic silo bag and exhibited excellent preservation and keeping quality as determined by pH, temperature and organic acid concentration of subsurface samples taken at daily intervals during the first 10 days post ensiling and throughout experimental periods. Concentrations of neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, acid detergent lignin and cellulose were lower for wet corn gluten feed, but hemicellulose and crude protein concentrations were higher than in the other feedstuffs. Heifers fed wet corn gluten feed for ad libitum intake consumed dry matter at 2.4% body wt. Apparent digestibility of the dry matter in wet corn gluten feed (76.6%) was greater than that for alfalfa haylage (60.7%). Heifers consuming wet corn gluten feed exhibited higher digestibilities for neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent lignin, hemicellulose and crude protein than consuming other feeds. Molar percentage of ruminal acetate was lower, but molar percentage of propionate was higher in heifers fed wet corn gluten feed compared to the other feeds. During an 83-day performance trial, body wt gain and body growth measurements were distinctly superior for dairy heifers fed the wet corn gluten feed in comparison weight heifers fed alfalfa haylage, oatlage or sorghum-soybean silage.