<b>Replacing corn silage with cassava foliage silage as feed for dairy cattle: intake and nutrient digestibility</b> - DOI: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v29i4.990

Abstract

The objective of the experiment was to study the effects of replacing corn silage (CS) with cassava foliage silage (CFS) – using the upper third of the foliage – on intake and nutrient digestibility. Twelve lactating dairy cows were used in a randomized block design to evaluated intake and digestibility. The levels of replacement of CS with CFS were 0, 20, 40 and 60%. The parameters studied were: dry matter intake (DMI), organic matter intake (OMI), neutral detergent fiber intake (NDFI), indigestible neutral detergent fiber intake (INDFI), apparent digestibility of dry matter (ADDM), apparent digestibility of organic matter (ADOM), apparent digestibility of crude protein (ADCP), apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (ADNDF), apparent digestibility of total carbohydrates (ADTC) and apparent digestibility of non-fiber carbohydrates (ADNFC). The replacement of CS with different levels of the upper third of cassava foliage silage (CFS) had no effect in practically any of evaluated variables (p > 0.05). However, ADCP (p < 0.01) decreased as the levels of replacement were increased. The inclusion of CFS did not alter the intake or digestibility of nutrients, except for ADCP. In spite of the negative effect on the apparent digestibility of protein, CFS can partially replace CS in the diet of lactating dairy cows.