Effects of ensiling on the digestibility and utilization of whole oilseeds by wethers

Two digestion and N metabolism trials were conducted with 35-kg wethers to assess the feeding value of whole cottonseed or soybeans ensiled with corn silage in 3.6-m3 concrete silos (1.8 x 1.4 m). Dietary treatments for the cottonseed trial were ensiled whole cottonseed, untreated whole cottonseed, and 21 or 13% cottonseed meal in a basal diet of corn silage. There were no differences among treatments for DM and ADF intakes. Including ensiled or whole cottonseed in rations decreased digestibility of DM and ADF. Digestibility of CP was similar for the 21% cottonseed meal and whole cottonseed treatments. Nitrogen retention was similar for all treatments. Treatments for the soybean trial were ensiled whole soybeans, untreated whole soybeans, and 4 or 14% soybean meal. Lambs fed 14% soybean meal consumed more DM and ADF than those fed whole soybeans. Dry matter and ADF digestibilities were similar for all diets. Lower CP intakes resulted in less retained N for lambs fed whole soybean diets compared with those fed 14% soybean meal. Ensiling soybeans did not affect digestibilities of DM, CP, or ADF, or N retention. Ensiled whole soybeans or whole cottonseed may be fed to wethers as an alternative to separate feeding of oilseed meals with little effect on intake, CP digestibility, or N retention.