556. The use of seaweed meals in concentrate mixtures for dairy cows

Abstract

The relative effects upon milk yield and composition of three concentrate mixtures containing 10% of two types of seaweed meal (Ascophyllum nodosum and Laminaria cloustoni) and an oatfeed-salt mixture, have been observed.Each cow received daily a basal ration of 30 lb. marrowstem kale and 18 lb. hay for maintenance and the first 1½ gal. of milk and 31½ lb. concentrates for each gallon thereafter.No significant effects of treatment upon milk yield or fat percentage were observed.The milk produced on the oatfeed-salt mixture had a slightly but significantly higher solids-not-fat content than that on the mixtures containing seaweed meals.The results showed that seaweed meals have a nutritive value no greater than that of a mixture of 7 parts oatfeed and 1 part salt, which had an estimated starch equivalent of only 39.In view of the relatively high cost, low palatability and low nutritive value of seaweed meals, their possible use in the feeding of dairy cows appears very limited.