The Use of Dehydrated Forages in Dairy Cattle Rations. II. Comparative Values of Finely Ground, Chopped and Pelleted Dehydrated Alfalfa as Grain Replacements for Lactating Dairy Cows

Summary Twenty cows were used in a complete change-over type experiment to compare the value of dehydrated alfalfa prepared in finely ground, chopped and pelleted forms when fed at a 30 per cent grain replacement level. Cows produced significantly more 4 per cent FCM on pelleted than on finely ground alfalfa, but chopped alfalfa did not differ significantly from either of the other two forms. Average production per cow per day on the three materials was: pelleted, 35.4 lb.; chopped, 34.2 lb.; and finely ground, 33.7 lb. That the advantage for the pelleted material was not related to the amount of TDN consumed is evident from the fact that there was no significant difference between treatments in TDN consumed over minimum requirements. Neither were there any differences in body weight gains nor in percentage fat. It is concluded that pelleted dehydrated alfalfa is superior to finely ground alfalfa as a grain replacement for dairy cows.