Chiou et al., 1999. Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci., 12 (6): 895-900

The effect of incorporating wet sorghum distiller's grains (WSDG) into the diet of lactating dairy cows was studied. 27 Holstein milking cows were selected, all in the early lactating stage, with an average weight of 550 kg, and producing an average of 30 kg of milk daily. The cows were divided into 3 groups according to milk yield and lactation and were fed different total mixed rations. The diets were formulated according to National Research Council (NRC 1989) recommendations in 3 rations to control diet, 15% WSDG diet and 30% WSDG diet. The 3 different diets were all formulated as iso-nitrogenous and iso-energetic. After one week adaptation period, the experimental feeding was conducted for 8 weeks. Three ruminal cannulated cows were also examined in order to investigate rumen fermentation of the 3 total mixed rations. The milk yield, as corrected to the 4.0% fat standard, had no difference among the control, 15% WSDG and 30% WSDG treatment groups. The daily DM intake of the control group was higher than the other groups ( P<0.05). With respect to milk composition, milk fat, milk protein and total solids, there was no difference among the treatment groups. The energy efficiency of the 30% WSDG group were significantly higher than the other treatment groups ( P<0.05). Rumen pH value showed no difference between groups. Ammonia-nitrogen concentration in the control group was higher than the other treatment groups ( P<0.05). The concentration of total rumen volatile fatty acid was similar in all 3 dietary groups.