Year: 2021
Type: dissertation
Abstract: This thesis is an investigation on the effects of replacing wheat straw with switchgrass in the ration of mid-lactation cows on production and health. In two studies, cows were offered rations containing either wheat straw or switchgrass, and yield, production components, and blood metabolites were measured. Study 1 also measured feeding behaviour, while study 2 measured feed sorting. In study 1, n=24 cows were assigned a ration containing either switchgrass or straw for a 21d period in a cross-over design. In study 2, n=12 cows were assigned a ration containing either wheat straw, fall baled switchgrass or spring baled switchgrass for 14d periods in a 3x3 Latin Square Design. In both studies, switchgrass generally performed equally as did wheat straw and no major changes were observed. Overall, this research suggests that switchgrass can be included in a ration in mid-lactating cows given that caution is exercised in regard to quality.
Author: Brigitte Lemay
Language: English
Subfield: Animal Science and Zoology
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W3160025170