Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Department of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Animal Science Research Institute of Iran, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran.
2 Graduate student of Animal Science Department, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tarbiat Modares, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
Keywords
Main Subjects
Extended Abstract
Introduction
Dietary forage components significantly influence dairy cattle nutrition by supporting rumen microbial function and optimizing production performance. Declining precipitation patterns associated with climate change have significantly diminished yields of water-intensive forage crops (particularly alfalfa and corn silage) across multiple regions of the country. The current livestock feed shortage represents a critical constraint on agricultural development nationwide, demanding urgent and effective mitigation strategies. Mazandaran's rainfall patterns and seasonal land availability create ideal conditions for secondary triticale cultivation, as the region's natural precipitation removes irrigation requirements. Multiple scientific studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of incorporating triticale into dairy cattle diet. While numerous studies have examined triticale silage for livestock feed, limited data exists regarding its nutritional value and direct comparison with corn silage in dairy cow diets, particularly under local conditions. This study therefore evaluates triticale (as a winter crop) versus corn silage to assess its potential benefits on nutrient intake, digestibility, milk production, and economic performance in dairy cow.
Materials and Method
This study was performed at the National Institute of Animal Sciences' laboratory and Gavdasht National Development and Research Station. Using a completely randomized 2×2 factorial design across two 30-day periods, the study evaluated ten Holstein-Simmental crossbred dairy cows matched for lactation stage, body weight, and production levels. Dairy cows were individually housed with continuous water access. Experimental diets were iso-nitrogenous and iso-energetic, balanced for crude protein and net energy for lactation. Feed samples, orts, and fecal matter were collected daily to determine dry matter intake and nutrient digestibility coefficients. Laboratory analyses quantified dry matter, nitrogen, ash, ether extract, NDF, and ADF following established protocols. Digestibility coefficients were determined using acid-insoluble ash as an internal marker. Daily milk production was measured, and preserved samples (K₂Cr₂O₇) were refrigerated and analyzed at the National Institute using Milkoscan technology to determine fat, protein, and lactose content.
Results and Discussion
Chemical analysis revealed greater concentrations of crude protein, ether extract, organic matter, non-fibrous carbohydrates, and NFC:NDF ratio in corn silage compared to triticale silage. A complete scientific investigation of milk-stage triticale harvesting has not yet been undertaken. The divergent results between this study and existing literature likely stem from differences in harvest maturity stages and geographical locations. Substitution of corn silage with triticale silage significantly (P<0.01) reduced voluntary feed intake. While organic matter and crude protein digestibility coefficients were depressed in triticale-based rations, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility showed improvement compared to the control diet. The reduced NDF digestibility observed in corn silage may be attributed to its significantly higher NFC-to-NDF ratio compared to triticale silage. No significant differences (P>0.05) were observed in milk production or composition between treatments. However, the triticale diet's combination of lower input costs and maintained productivity resulted in significantly greater economic efficiency (P<0.01) relative to corn silage.
Conclusions
Although triticale silage substitution decreased both feed intake and organic matter digestibility relative to corn silage, the study revealed no significant differences in milk yield or compositional parameters between dietary treatments. Economically advantageous and water-efficient, triticale proves ideal for secondary cultivation in rainy regions (e.g., Mazandaran), effectively addressing forage shortages while improving livestock farming viability.
All authors contributed equally to the conceptualization of the article and writing of the original and subsequent drafts.
In this section, please provide details regarding where data supporting reported results can be found, including links to publicly archived datasets analyzed or generated during the study (see examples). Data available on request from the authors.
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Our work was performed at two locations: The National Institute of Animal Sciences Research headquarters and its Babol field station. The authors would like to thank all participants of the present study including the station's administrative and operational teams, agricultural and animal care specialists, laboratory management and staff for their exemplary collaboration throughout this project
The research team strictly adhered to established ethical guidelines throughout all experimental procedures, ensuring optimal animal welfare standards, avoided data fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, and misconduct during both the practical implementation and scholarly dissemination of this study, as expressly affirmed by the authors.
No financial, personal, or professional conflicts of interest exist that might influence or bias the outcomes of this study, as confirmed by all contributing authors.
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