Effect of fibrous and starchy carbohydrates in concentrates as supplements in a herbage-based diet for high-yielding dairy cows.

Abstract

The effects of 2 concentrates composed of different carbohydrate sources (beet pulp vs. maize) on intake, digestibility, yield and composition of milk from high-yielding dairy cows given fresh herbage indoors was investigated. In 1988 two diets and in 1989 three diets were used with 9 cows/diet. In 1989 concentrates were supplied on an equal amount of DM and in 1989 on an equal amount of energy. The animals received the concentrates after milking time. In 1988 the experimental period lasted 8 wk and in 1989 10 wk. In 1988 intake of herbage DM tended to be higher on the maize-enriched diet, resulting in a significantly (P