RED CLOVER SILAGE FOR MILK PRODUCTION

Nine wilted silages made from tetraploid red clover were fed in four winter-feeding experiments to 32 Ayrshire cows. The DM content of the silages averaged 23±5% (range 15±8–27±1) and contained an average of 19±6% crude protein, 14±2% digestible crude protein and 52±0% digestible organic matter. The pH values varied from 4±0–6±2, depending on the DM content and mechanical treatment of the crop, and the rate of application of formic add. The silages were fed ad lib.with supplementary concentrates and the average daily intakes of silage DM ranged from 16±0–24±0 Ib/cow (7±3–10±9 kg). The highest daily intakes were obtained with double-chopped silage containing 24–26% DM with a pH of 4±0. Although the red-clover silage had a high content of N and apparently provided a balanced ration with the addition of barley, yields of milk were increased significantly by substituting 1 Ib (0±4 kg) groundnut cake for 1 Ib barley in the daily ration of the cow. The silage contained oestrogenic compounds but the breeding pattern and fertility of the cows were not affected adversely. The tetraploid red clover produced approximately 9000 Ib DM/ac (10 100 kg/ha) in the 1st-harvest year and it is concluded that a safe and highly palatable silage with high intake characteristics can be made if the clover is wilted to about 24% DM, double chopped, and formic acid is applied at the rate of 0±5 gal/ton.