Masters Theses

Date of Award

8-1980

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Animal Science

Major Professor

Monty J. Montgomery

Committee Members

D. O. Richardson, C. C. Chamberlain

Abstract

Sixteen lactating Holstein cows were randomly assigned to one of two treatments to evaluate sodium bentonite as a milk fat test improver in complete rations containing Maltlage. Treatment I consisted of one part Maltlage and one part corn silage with 1 percent sodium bentonite.

Daily dry matter intake (pounds), daily dry matter intake per hundred pounds body weight (pounds), daily milk production (pounds), daily 4 percent fat-corrected milk, and percent milk fat, for the two treatments were:

I) 19.0, 1.8, 48.8, 37.9, 2.64;

II) 20.3, 1.9, 50.0, 41.0, 2.95.

Rumen pH and molar percent values of acetate, propionate and butyrate in the rumen were 6.3, 55.1, 28.9 and 10.3 for Treatment I and 6.3, 54.6, 26.9 and 12.4 for Treatment II.

Blood serum levels of calcium, magnesium, sodium and phosphorus were 10.69, 2.77, 380.2 and 7.61 mg per 100 ml for Treatment I and 10.70, 2.71, 374.4 and 7.72 mg per 100 ml for Treatment II. Above differences for same variables due to treatment effect, all proved non-significant (P<.05).

Data suggests that addition of 1 percent sodium bentonite to complete rations containing a 1:1 ratio (as fed) of Maltlage and corn silage, will improve milk fat test in lactating cows.

Thirty-six Holstein replacement calves were randomly assigned to one of two treatments at birth. Treatment I consisted of one part Maltlage and one part corn silage. Treatment II consisted of chopped mixed grass hay fed ad libitum plus Maltlage fed seperately at the following rates:

Week 2-15 - 5.5# Maltlage per 100# body weight

Week 16-20 - 5.0# Maltlage per 100# body weight

Week 21-25 - 4.5# Maltlage per 100# body weight

Week 26-30 - 4.0# Maltlage per 100# body weight.

Calves were weaned at six weeks of age.

Average dry matter intake (pounds), average dry matter intake per hundred pounds body weight (pounds), cumulative average daily gain (pounds), body weight (pounds), length (inches), wither height (inches) and heart girth (inches) for each treatment was:

I) 4.7, 1.98, 0.92, 198, 28.0, 34.6, 39.1;

II) 4.6, 1.99, 0.93, 197, 27.9, 34.6, 39.1.

Differences in growth parameters of calves due to treatment effect were all non-significant (P<.05).

Data suggests that Holstein heifer calves can be raised successfully on a complete ration containing a 1:1 ratio (as fed) of Maltlage and corn silage or when fed Maltlage and chopped mixed grass hay ad libitum up to 20 weeks of age.

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