Co-ensiled rice straw with whole sugar beet and its effect on the performance of lactating cows

This study investigated the effect of co-ensiled rice straw (RS) with whole sugar beet (SB) on lactating cows' performance. Ensiled rice straw (ERS) as control (CGS) was incorporated with immersed corn grains (CG) for 24 h, while the 2nd and 3rd ensiled RS (LSB and HSB) contained SB substituted of 50 and 100% of CG on an energy basis (total digestible nutrients, TDN), respectively. In the experimental diets, D1, D2, and D3, which include CGS, LSB, and HSB provided ad-libitum, respectively, while a concentrated feed mixture (2% of body weight) was offered. The population of lactic acid bacteria was slightly higher with fed HSB, relative to LSB and CGS. The OM, CP, EE, NFC, and TCH contents of CGS were slightly higher than LSB and HSB, while the opposite happened with the aNDFom, and ADFom contents. The digestibility of DM, OM, aNDFom, and ADFom of the D3 group was higher (P < 0.05) than in D1 and D2. The D3 recorded the highest values (P < 0.05) of silage consumption, and palatability. Milk production, fat-corrected milk (FCM), and energy-corrected milk (ECM) were (P < 0.05) higher for cows fed D3 compared with D1 and D2. Fat, protein, lactose, and total solids were trending on the same track. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) of cows fed diet D3 was better than cows fed D1 diet. The level of glucose in the blood increased (P < 0.05) significantly with feeding on HSB than LSB, which was significantly (P < 0.05) higher compared to CGS. In conclusion, co-ensiling of RS with the whole SB plant consider a good method to improve its nutritional value.