Abstract

GARCIA, G.A.G. et al. Milk production and composition of dairy cows grazing elephantgrass (Pennisetum purpureum) supplemented with different sources of carbohydrates. Arq. Bras. Med. Vet. Zootec. [online]. 2010, vol.62, n.4, pp. 875-882. ISSN 0102-0935.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0102-09352010000400017.

Twelve Holstein dairy cows were assigned to one of four treatments in a 4x4 latin square design. Cows grazed Elephant grass and were supplemented with different concentrates which differed in the carbohydrate source as follows: ground dry corn (MG), citrus pulp plus ground dry corn (MP), citrus pulp (PC), and high moisture corn (MU). There was no difference (P>0.05) between treatments neither in total milk production corrected for 3.5% nor in milk production corrected for solids. Cows fed ground dry corn and high moisture corn showed higher levels of milk protein and milk total solids (P<0.05) and cows fed citrus pulp showed higher levels of milk fat (P<0.01). Cows that consumed high moisture corn showed lower levels of milk urea nitrogen (P<0.05), indicating that they used nitrogen more efficiently. The lack of positive statistical response in cows consuming high moisture corn could be caused by the production potential of grazing systems as well as by heat stress. For milk payment criteria without considering composition, any carbohydrate source tested may be used for feeding.

Keywords : dairy cow; elephant grass; high moisture corn; citrus pulp.