Influence of co-ensiled rice straw with whole sugar beet on lactating cows performance

Abstract

Abstract This study investigated the effect of co-ensiled rice straw (RS) with whole sugar beet (SB) on lactating cows’ performance. Ensiled rice straw as control (SCG) was incorporated with immersed corn grains (CG) for 24 h, while the 2nd and 3rd ensiled RS (LSB and HSB) contained SB substituted of 50 and 100% of CG on an energy basis (total digestible nutrients, TDN), respectively. Ensiled RS were offered ad-libitum while a concentrate feed mixture (2% of body weight) was provided in diets, D1, D2, and D3, respectively. The HSB has a slightly higher population of lactic acid bacteria, consort with LSB and SCG. The OM, CP, EE, NFC, and TCH contents of SCG were slightly higher than LSB or HSB, while the opposite happened with the aNDFom, and ADFom contents. The digestibility of DM, OM, aNDFom, and ADFom of the D3 group was higher (P < 0.05) than in D1 and D2. The D3 recorded the highest values (P < 0.05) of silage consumption, and palatability. Milk production, fat-corrected milk (FCM), and energy-corrected milk (ECM) were (P < 0.05) higher for cows fed D3 compared with D1 and D2. Fat, protein, lactose, and total solids. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) of cows fed diet D3 was better than cows fed D1 diet. Blood constituents remained unchanged and were within the normal ranges. In conclusion, co-ensiling of RS with the whole SB plant consider a good method to improve its nutritional value.