Effect of Grinding and Pelleting on the Utilization of Coastal Bermuda Grass Hay by Dairy Heifers

Abstract

Six digestion and balance trials were conducted with 3 heifers each over a 2-yr period, to study the utilization of baled, ground, and pelleted Coastal Bermuda grass hay fed as the only forage. An average reduction of 3.77 percentage points in crude fiber content of pelleted hay compared to baled hay was found. Grinding the hay, using a 1/4-inch screen, gave a consistent nonsignificant decrease from baled hay in digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, crude fiber, energy, and in TDN (total digestible nutrients) content. A significant (P < 0.05) decrease in digestibility between baled and pelleted and between ground and pelleted hays in dry matter, crude protein, energy, and in TDN content was found. For crude fiber the decrease in digestibility between baled and pelleted hays was significant. Observations indicated more rapid passage of the processed hays, especially the pelleted, through the heifers. The Coastal Bermuda grass hay in all forms supplied sufficient N, Ca, and P to meet the heifers'' requirements for maintenance and growth.