A comparison of hay and grass silage for rearing young cattle in winter

Abstract

For less demanding animals, such as two year-old cattle winter feed may be based on rations of hay or of medium quality grass silage. The aim of three consecutive feed trials at the Domaine du Pin au Haras was to compare the effect of different diets fed to steers and heifers in winter. Grass harvested at the same relatively late date was either given in the form of hay or as silage. The quality of silage varied according to the age of the grass and the harvest conditions under which it was made. The quality of hay was more constant. The amount ingested by the cattle was similar for silage or for hay. Growth was likewise comparable for the two feeds. No after effects due to different winter feed were observed in finishing on grass or at the time of slaughter.