Individual Versus Group Feeding of Constant Versus Variable Forage:Concentrate of Total Mixed Rations Through Two Lactations and Intervening Dry Period

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Abstract
Total mixed rations were fed for ad lib consumption to 4 groups of cows through 2 lactations and interventing dry period. Treatments were: group fed 50:50 (roughage:concentrate, dry matter) ration, individually fed 50:50 ration, individually fed 65:35 ration, and individually fed 50:50 ration for 150 days postpartum and an 80:20 ration thereafter and through the dry period. Roughage was a 4:1 mixture of corn silage:grass-legume silage. Of the original 31, 11, 11 and 11 cows on treatments 1-4; 22, 11, 7 and 9 cows refreshened for 2nd lactations. Fatty degenerated livers were in 5, 2, 1 and 0 cows that died soon after refreshing. Weight gains between freshening and the end of the dry period during 1st lactation were 151, 153, 115 and 101 kg. No treatment differences were found in 305-day yields of milk or milk components. A disadvantage to feeding high concentrate treatments through the lactation and dry period is indicated.