A comparison of hay and silage for milk production

Summary In a series of 3 trials there was little or no difference in milk yield when cows were fed the same quantity of dry matter in the form of well-preserved hay or silage from the same sward. A higher milk yield was obtained from silage made from grass at an early stage of maturity than from silage or hay made from the same crop 5 weeks later. In 2 trials when hay or silage was fed ad lib. the dry-matter intakes of the cows were higher with hay than with silage, and there was a consequent increase in milk yield and S.N.F. content in favour of hay. Some of the results indicated that with certain silages a depression in the S.N.F. content of the milk, due to a decrease in the casein content, could occur, although this was not associated with an inadequate energy intake.