Alves et al., 2007. Rev. Bras. Zootec., 36 (5.Supplement): 1590-1596

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of partial replacement of maize silage by dehydrated maize gluten feed (CGF-21) on the milk production and composition and blood parameters of dairy cows. Inclusion levels of 0, 8 and 16% of CGF-21 (% DM) to the diets were evaluated. 30 cows were used to study milk production and composition, and 15 cows were used to study the blood parameters. A 3 * 3 Latin square experimental design with 10 replications was used. Differences were observed among the diets for milk yield and 3.5% fat corrected milk. No difference among diets was observed for the other studied characteristics. The obtained milk yields were 22.44, 23.69 and 23.88 kg/animal/day and 3.5% fat correct milk yields were 23.25, 24.71 and 24.44 kg/animal/day, respectively, for the inclusion levels of 0, 8 and 16% of CGF-21 in the diet. The results obtained for the composition of milk were the following: percentage of fat=3.69, 3.76 and 3.65%; milk protein=3.22, 3.20 and 3.25%; lactose=4.29, 4.32 and 4.31%; total solids=12.12, 12.23 and 12.14%; N-ureic milk=16.57, 16.50 and 14.96 mg/dl. Blood urea nitrogen values were 109.92, 21.17 and 20.21 mg/dl and serum glucose values were 55.69, 56.50 and 54.78 mg/dl, respectively, for the inclusion levels of 0, 8 and 16% of CGF-21 in the diet. The diet with the inclusion of 16% of CGF-21 resulted to a greater profit.