The effect of chopped hay on feed intake, rate of eating and rumination of dairy cows.

Authors

  • G.C.J. Voskuil
  • J.H.M. Metz

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18174/njas.v21i4.17240

Abstract

The effect of chopped hay on feed intake, eating rate and rumination time was studied. Relations between these variables were evaluated. Ten pregnant cows at the end of lactation were given 3 kg concentrates daily and chopped or unchopped hay to appetite. Chopping the hay did not significantly affect intake of hay or total ruminating time. Duration of rumination/kg hay was significantly less when chopped hay was given. Chopping the hay also significantly reduced the number of boli/day. Daily intake of hay was positively correlated with duration of rumination. When long hay was given, a higher eating rate was associated with a longer rumination time; with chopped hay there was no significant relation. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)

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Published

1973-11-01

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Papers