Effects of winter feed type on feed intake during the transition back to spring pasture

Abstract

Two experiments tested the effects of dif ferent winter diets on intake and digestion of pasture by rising 1-yearold red deer returned to pasture with minimal dietary management during early spring. During May 1998 forty calves were randomly allocated to five winter feeding treatments including pasture only, silage only, 40% concentrate plus silage, 60% concentrate plus silage, and 90% concentrate plus silage. Forage intakes in the five days before and after turnout on 28th September 1998 were higher in weaners fed pasture than those fed winter diets (P

The feed intake and liveweight responses of hinds and calves grazing leaf turnip or pasture during late lactation

“…The alkane dilution procedure has been used for estimating forage intake for over 10 years in sheep, cattle and deer (Bugalho et al 2005;Champion et al 1995;Dillon & Stakelum 1988;Dove & Mayes 1991;Dove et al 1989;Dove et al 2002;Ferreira et al 2004;Fraser & Gordon 1997;Gedir & Hudson 2000;Hameleers & Mayes 1998;Stevens & Corson 2003). While it has some deficiencies, these are common to all indirect techniques of intake estimation (Dove & Coombe 1992;Dove & Mayes 1991;Elwert & Dove 2005;Ferreira et al 2004;Gedir & Hudson 2000).…”

“…This confirmed earlier research (Dove & Mayes 1991;Dove et al 1989) that recommended freeze drying as the most appropriate technique to ensure maximum extraction of alkanes from plant and faecal samples. The investigations that used freeze dried samples has provided an acceptable relationship between intakes estimated by alkane and pen-fed intakes (Stevens & Corson 2003).…”

“…The areas used were also recorded to estimate stocking rate. All samples were immediately deep frozen and freeze-dried before analysis for C 31 , C 32, and C 33 alkanes (Stevens & Corson 2003), and acid detergent fibre (ADF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), soluble sugars and starch (SSS), and crude protein (CP) by NIRS analysis (Corson et al 1999).…”

“…However, there are many factors that may alter the whole system response to brassica crops. The time needed to adapt the rumen microbial population to effectively use a brassica crop, may pose a significant risk and production cost if not done correctly (Stevens & Corson 2003).…”

Feeding systems in summer dry environments for red deer in lactation

“…There are many factors that may alter the response of grazing animals to use of brassica crops. For instance, adaptation time or the time needed to alter the rumen microbial populations to effectively use a brassica crop, poses a significant risk and production cost if not done correctly (Stevens & Corson 2003). The type of crop may alter the overall outcome (Stevens 2009).…”