Dried Whey as an Additive for Reconstituted Alfalfa Hay Silage

Abstract
Dried whey was added at 0, 1, and 10~ to first cutting chopped alfalfa hay. The material was reconstituted with approxi- mately ~ water and ensiled in experi- mental silos. Addition of whey increased lactic acid, decreased acetic acid, and reduced pH of the hay silages. Character- istics of desirable fermentation were usu- ally best in 10~ whey-treated hay silages. Acid-detergent fiber, cell wall contents, and cellulose were lower in hay silages treated with whey. No differences in fiber nitrogen were among treatments. Results of a digestion trial with four Hol- stein steers indicated apparent digesti- bilities of dry matter, ether extract, ener- gy, cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose increased with whey addition. Whey also increased digestibilities of cell waft con- tents and ash. Digestibilities were gener- ally highest for 10~ whey-treated hay silage, except cellulose digestibility was highest for 1% whey. Digestibility of pro- tein in hay silages was not influenced by whey treatment.

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