Effect of Corn Silage Supplementation on Intake and Milk Production in Cows Grazing Grass Pasture

The objective was to determine the effects on milk production and DMI of 2.3 kg/d of corn silage DM fed to lactating cows grazing grass pasture and fed supplemental grain. Thirty Holstein cows, averaging 32 kg of milk at the start of the trial, intensively grazed grass pasture for 8 wk. One-half of the cows received 2.3 kg/d of corn silage DM in two equal feedings, and one-half of the cows were used as controls (no corn silage). All cows were fed grain at 1 kg of grain DM/4 kg of milk. Corn silage had no effect on milk production or milk composition. Cows fed corn silage did not have improved BW gain or body condition score. Each unit of corn silage consumed replaced 1.2 units of pasture, but total DMI was not different because of supplementation with corn silage. Blood urea N concentrations were lower for cows fed corn silage. Supplementation of high producing Holsteins grazing grass pastures with 2.3 kg/d of corn silage DM had no effect on milk production, milk composition, or total DMI.