NUTRITIVE VALUE OF WHOLE CROP CEREAL SILAGES

Abstract

Voluntary intake and digestibility of protein, dry matter and energy of nine cereal silages were determined using 200-kg steers. Digestible energy intakes were lower for spring rye (Gazelle) and tillering corn silage (Stewart Multi T) than for wheat, oats, barley and non-tillering corn silages (Pride R102). Intake of DE was highest for Neepawa wheat silage. The tillering corn was less mature (16.0% dry matter) than the other cereals which were harvested at the mid-dough stage. Digestibility of protein was significantly lower in the rye and corn silages than in the other silages.