Effect of the Addition of Citrolas to High-Moisture Forage for Silage on Nutrient Losses and Animal Response

Abstract

Four tower silos were filled with moderately high-moisture oat forage with the addition of (a) 0, (b) 149, (c) 274, and (d) 425 lb. of citrolas crumbles per ton of fresh forage. Total dry matter losses calculated as a percentage of the forage dry matter ensiled were (a) 14, (b) 14, (c) 24, and (d) 31, respectively. Corresponding dry matter losses by seepage were: (a) 5.3, (b) 7.3, (c) 2.7, and (d) 1.7. Thus, with the lowest level of citrolas, seepage dry matter losses were higher than when none was added. The fermentation losses were much higher in the two silos with the most additive. The dry matter content and specific gravity of the seepage were higher with the additive, but the amount of additive had no effect. The maximum average temperatures were not affected by the treatments. Each of the silages was fed to six lactating dairy cows in a continuous-type feeding experiment. There was no significant difference in weight gains, milk production, or fat test of the milk. Cows fed the silages containing the two lowest amounts of the additive consumed highly significantly more silage dry matter than did those fed the other silages. Average pounds of silage dry matter consumed per thousand pounds of body weight were (a) 18.6, (b) 22.1, (c) 21.0, and (d) 19.0, for the four groups, respectively.