Whole Sunflower Seeds for High Producing Dairy Cows

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Abstract
Nine Holstein cows in 3 .times. 3 Latin squares were used to determine the feeding value of whole sunflower seeds. Complete rations (dry matter) of 45% corn silage, 10% alfalfa hay and 45% concentrate were fed. Concentrates contained mostly corn and soybean meal, 22% whole rolled sunflower seeds and 22% extruded whole sunflower seeds. Sunflower seeds replaced portions of the corn and soybean meal in the last 2 rations. Total rations contained, respectively, (dry matter) 15.8, 15.3 and 15.3% crude protein and 2.8, 5.2 and 5.5% ether extract. Milk production was 30.6, 32.1 and 31.3 kg/day and 4% fat-corrected milk was 28.4, 29.4 and 28.3 kg/day. Milk composition was similar for all treatments. Milk fat from cows fed sunflower seeds contained more stearic, oleic, linoleic and linoleic acids. Dry matter intakes were similar for all rations. Production measures indicate whole sunflower seeds can constitute as much as 10% of the total ration dry matter without adversely affecting production.