Authors : M.S. Baran , I. Gul and R. Demirel
Abstract: In this study, effects of sorghum used instead of corn as an energy source on nutrient digestibility and some milk parameters in dairy cow rations were investigated. During the 20 weeks trial period, four Holstein cows at their first lactation stage were used in 4�4 Latin square design. The trial was consisted of four periods. Each period lasted five weeks of which consisted two weeks pre-experimental period and three weeks main experimental period. Dairy cows were fed with four different rations. Good quality alfalfa was given as roughage to animals. Digestibility of nutrients were determined according to rations, as follows, respectively; dry matter: 69.16, 69.49, 69.74, 70.10%, crude ash: 26.04, 26.31, 26.42, 26.49%; organic matter: 70.35, 70.43, 70.33, 70.48%; crude protein: 69.77, 69.96, 70.20, 70.43%; ether extract: 70.74, 70.86, 71.02, 71.15%; crude fiber: 59.56, 59.75, 59.96, 60.17; Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF): 45.92, 46.03, 46.11, 46.15% and Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF): 43.06, 43.17, 43.36, 43.45%. The differences for the digestibility of dry matter, crude ash, organic matter, ADF and NDF among rations were not significant (p>0.05). However, digestibility of crude protein, ether extract and crude fiber were found significant among rations (p<0.05). According to rations percentages of milk parameters were determined as follows, respectively; dry matter: 13.23, 13.02, 13.05, 13.10%, crude ash: 0.57, 0.56, 0.58, 0.60%, pH: 6.65, 6.65, 6.66, 6.68, density: 1030, 1031, 1031, 1031 and fat-free dry matter: 9.46, 9.29, 9.33, 9.37%. Differences among milk parameters, according to rations were not significant (p>0.05). Trial results indicated that grain sorghum can be used instead of corn as an economical energy source in dairy cow rations.
M.S. Baran , I. Gul and R. Demirel , 2008. Effects of Sorghum on Nutrient Digestibility and Some Milk Parameters in Dairy Cow Rations. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 7: 879-884.