Field-cured and Field-baled Alfalfa Hay versus Artificially Dried and Chopped and Pelleted Alfalfa Hays as a Source of Carotene and Roughage for Guernsey and Holstein Calves

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
A continuation of similiar study reported previously (Jour. Dairy Sci. 34: 124-135. 1951). 9 Guernsey and 9 Holstein calves were used. Both types of artificially dried hay were eaten in greater quantities accompanied by greater increases in liveweight and heart girth, higher levels of blood plasma carotene and Vit. A, and greater Vit. A stores than the field cured alfalfa hay. The dehydrated hays, used in these studies on unlimited feeding, provided adequate carotene to meet the calf''s requirements from 7 to 105 days of age. The field-cured hays did not.