Additional data on mastication time in dairy cows fed forage-rich diet : influence of the forage type and concentrate supplementation level

Abstract

Diet mastication time is a relevant datum that should be taken into account when preparing dairy cows’ diets. For this reason, the results obtained with 26 diets were summarized and compiled with those already published on 14 diets. For the 40 studied diets, animals ingested 11.4 kg forage dry matter and 5.8 kg energy-rich feed (proportion = 34 %). The effects on fibrosity (mastication time per kg DM ingested) of the type of forage, concentrate supplementation level and chopping of a complete diet, are documented. Results were compared with those already publi. shed. Fibrosity index prediction from forage cellulose contents is discussed. Using that criterion requires distinguishing the different types of forage (grass hay, lucerne hay, maize silage, grass silage). Lastly, the conditions required to set up an accurate prediction system for the diet fibrosity are described.