Effect of Feeding Reed Canary Hay and Corn Silage, Pure and Combined, on Digestibility and Acceptability for Sheep and Cows

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Abstract
In feeding trials of a latin square design using sheep and cattle, the digestibility and acceptability of reed canary hay (Phalaris arundinacea) and corn silage (Zea mays) was compared at equal dry matter intake levels. In spite of similar composition of nutrients, the gradual replacement of the hay by the silage significantly raised the digestibility of nutrients, ash and energy. A significant increase in digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude fiber and n-free extracts was observed as the experiment progressed. Acceptability, as measured by the amount of feed refused, was lowest with both animal species when the rations consisted of corn silage only and highest when 1/2 - 1/3 of the dry matter of the ration was derived from hay. Cattle tolerated a higher proportion of silage in their ration than sheep. A blackening of the inner rumen surface tissue accompanied the feeding of corn silage. The discoloration appeared in four to five days and disappeared in the same time after the all-hay ration.