Three different berseem silages were evaluated in this study. Berseem was
chopped into 3-5 cm, then sun dried to get wilted berseem silage (S1) or mixed with
ground barley grains (S2) or ground com grains ($3) at 75:25%. Part from each type
of silage was packed in double layer bags (50 Kg each for exp. 1) and the other part
was kept in over ground silo (for exp. 2) for 70 days.
Two experiments were carrled out to:
1) evaluate the quality and nutritive value of different silages via laboratory analysis
and digestion trials using three adult male balady sheep in a Latin square 3x3
design (Exp. 1). and
2) compare the effect of feeding berseem silage with berseem hay rations on the
performance of milk production using four lactating Holstein Friesian cows in "Swing
Over" design (Exp. 2). ‘ = ‘
Data indicated that corn-berseem silage (83) had the best silage
characteristics, nutritive values and nitrogen balance compared with other barley-
berseem silage (S2) or wilted berseem silage (S1). Cows fed ration contained 83
produced more milk than those fed ration contained berseem hay. There were
insignificant differences in milk composition between cows fed berseem hay or corn-
berseem silage rations. except that there was a significant increase in solids not fat
and ash content in milk of cows fed corn-berseem silage ration. Also, the lowest
feeding cost per 1 kg 4% fat corrected milk was observed in feeding corn-berseem
silage grOUp being 0.72 L.E. compared to 0.89 L.E. in berseem hay group.
In conclusion, feeding dairy cows on corn-berseem silage may improve the
performance of milk production and decrease the cost of milk production.