Wet maize to be studied in the diet of domestic animals

Abstract

Wet maize used for diet of domestic animals was studied in two stages. The first one included two basic experiments.

The first experiment implied comparison of the wet maize silage nutritive value while maize was used as the primary energetic portion for milking cows.

Wet maize silages, dry maize and a complex concentrate fodder, were used in the first experiment.

The other one included the use of maize kernel and wet maize ear silages.

Both experiments implied addition of of soya rape seed, with basic part of a meal containing hay added according to needs.

In the first experiment, the diet with wet corn silage led to a significantly decreased fodder consumption, and particularly that of hay as well as to a mild drop in the milk fat percentage in the milk, while milk production proved to be significantly higher.

In another basic experiment, the diet with wet corn and corn ear silages caused the same effects.

These experiments have shown that silage of the wet corn is a good fodder for milk production, especially during the first maximal stage of lactation.

The trials have also shown that the meals of the corn silage as the only energetic meal portion with addition of soya rape seed, had a positive effect on the milk production just as multistructural paletted roughage did.

The results have shown that good cattle performances can be objectively expected  provided that maize wetness be below 30% and be grits and not finely ground.