Feeding of Fodder-Sugarcane Silage to Holstein Cows

Abstract

To provide relevant information on utilizing fodder-sugarcane for dairy cows, we investigated the chemical composition, and long-term effect of fodder-sugarcane feeding on physiological aspects in non-lactating cows and milk production in lactating cows. The CP content of fodder-sugarcane silage (KRFo93-1; harvested 4 months after regrowth) was at the lowest level, whereas NDFom content peaked in roughage fed to lactating cows on conventional dairy farms. When 6 non-lactating Holstein cows were fed fodder-sugarcane silage with soybean meal and steam-rolled corn or sudangrass hay for 106 days, there were few changes in BW, hematological parameters, and blood metabolites throughout the experimental period. Seven lactating Holstein cows were fed TMR (TDN, 69%DM; CP, 15%DM) containing 0, 3, 5, 10, 15, or 20% fodder-sugarcane silage along with commercial concentrate (1.8 kg DM/cow/day). Milk yield and milk composition were unaffected by the proportion of fodder-sugarcane silage in the TMR. Conversely, the percentage of large particles (>19 mm) in TMR and in orts rose with an increasing proportion of fodder-sugarcane silage in TMR. The BUN concentration increased when cows were fed TMR containing over 15% fodder-sugarcane silage. These results suggest that fodder-sugarcane can be fed to cows without adversely affecting their physiological condition. However, for practical feeding to lactating cows, it is necessary to observe sorting against fodder-sugarcane silage.

Nutritional evaluation of <i>Erianthus </i> spp., <i>Saccharum spontaneum</i>, and <i>Saccharum</i> spp. hybrids as feed

“…There are also many observations concerning the low CP content in Saccharum spp. hybrids (Kung & Stanley 1982, Lopez et al 2003, Pate et al 2002, Suzuki et al 2010, Suzuki et al 2014. For cattle fed on the genus Saccharum or Erianthus spp., it is essential to supply a CP source as an alternative to the forage generally used.…”

“…Their byproducts, e.g. sugarcane top, bagasse, and molasses, are also commonly used to feed ruminants in these regions, while sugarcane stalks and whole sugarcane may also be used as feed (Kawashima et al 2002a, Kawashima et al 2002b, Kawashima et al 2003, Martin 1997, Pate et al 2002, Suzuki et al 2010, Suzuki et al 2014). Developing varieties with higher abiotic stress tolerance, regrowth ability, or nutritive value will enhance the utility of sugarcane as feed.…”

Proportions of sugarcane and babassu mesocarp bran in diets for feedlot cattle

“…This hypothesis can be confirmed by the lower (32.40%) crude protein content in the leftovers of animals fed diets with a higher proportion of sugarcane. Similarly, Suzuki et al (2014) found an increased amount of large sugarcane particles in leftovers from non-lactating cows as the proportion (0, 3, 5, 10, 15, and 20%) of this roughage replacing ryegrass silage was increased. Feed selectivity of the animal, on the other hand, may also have contributed to the similar feed intakes, as the intake of more digestible feed fractions may have benefited the passage rate in diets with the higher proportion of sugarcane.…”

Sugarcane‐derived animal feed

“…Ensiled sugarcane is typically included in animal diets as an ingredient in compound feed (Briceno et al 1987, Roman et al 2011, Santana et al 2012, Daniel et al 2013, Reyes et al 2014, Suzuki et al 2014) but can be delivered as a supplemental feed (Gomez-Vazquez et al 2011). Sugarcane silage is a viable alternative to whole-crop maize silage in compound feed for beef cattle produced in feedlots but whole-crop maize silage provides superior finishing and dressing percentage (i.e., the percentage of live weight that remains in the dressed carcass) over a 96-day period (Roman et al 2011).…”