Supplementation of grazing cows with high-moisture corn grain silage or a commercial concentrate

Abstract

The effect of supplementation with high-moisture corn grain silage or a commercial concentrate on intake and milk production in dairy cows was evaluated. Forty cows grazing on improved pastures were assigned to five treatments according to a randomized complete block design for 9 weeks: no supplementation, supplementation with 3 or 6 kg (as fed) of high-moisture corn grain silage, supplementation with 3 or 6 kg (as fed) of a commercial concentrate. Although pasture intake decreased with increasing level of supplementation, total nutrient intake was higher. A higher milk, solids yield, and weight gain was observed with increasing level of supplementation. No effect of type of supplement or interaction between these two factors was detected. Supplementation of grazing cows resulted in a better performance, but type of supplement had no relevant effect on the animal´s response.