When red clover silage and corn silage are fed together, a 50-50 mixture is optimal, say researchers at the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences in Great Britain.
The two silages were fed to appetite, along with 9 lbs/day of dairy concentrates, in the following proportions: 90% corn silage, 10% red clover; 50% corn silage, 50% red clover; and 10% corn silage, 90% red clover. Crude protein intakes increased and starch intakes decreased as the mixture changed from 90% corn silage to 90% red clover silage.
The highest dry matter intakes and milk production were achieved with the 50-50 silage mixture. Milkfat levels remained constant but milk protein percentages declined as red clover levels increased, say the researchers.