FEEDING VALUE FOR DAIRY CATTLE AND PIGS OF HIGH MOISTURE CORN PRESERVED WITH PROPIONIC ACID

Abstract

High moisture (HM) shelled corn (66.7% dry matter), preserved with 1.5% propionic acid, was fed as a part of the ration to 12 lactating dairy cows, seven growing dairy heifers, and 20 growing-finishing pigs. HM ensiled, shelled corn was fed to similar groups as a comparison. In addition, a third group of 12 cows received a commercial dairy supplement. Fat-corrected milk yield, persistency of milk production, milk fat and protein percentage, and rate of gain by dairy heifers were not significantly different between rations when HM corn was fed at 4.5 kg/animal/day. Average daily gains by pigs whose ration comprised 70% treated grain corn versus 70% ensiled grain corn were 0.70 and 0.63 kg (P < 0.01). A nonsignificant improvement in feed efficiency was observed by heifers and pigs fed treated grain corn. Mold counts were 0 and 1200 colonies/g for treated and ensiled grain corn. There was no adverse effect of propionic acid treatment upon animal health or performance. The relationship between dietary propionic acid and synthesis of milk fat, milk protein and tissue protein are discussed.