Field peas as a protein source for high-production dairy cows on grass silage and hay based feeding

Authors

• Liisa Syrjälä-Qvist Department of Animal Husbandry, University of Helsinki, 00710 Helsinki 71
• Jouko Setälä Department of Animal Husbandry, University of Helsinki, 00710 Helsinki 71
• Mikko Tuori Department of Animal Husbandry, University of Helsinki, 00710 Helsinki 71

DOI: https://doi.org/10.23986/afsci.72078

Abstract

Twenty-four dairy cows with high milk yields were used in an experiment in which peas and soybean meal were compared for feeding value, when given as protein sources in grass silage and hay based feeding. In their barley and outs based concentrate mixture three different groups recevied: 1) soybean meal 14 %, 2) soybean meal 7.5 %plus ground peas 15 % or 3) ground peas 35%. The peas were almost equivalent as a protein source to the soybean meal. There were no significant differences between the soybean and pea groups in the intake and utilization of feeds, milk production and milk composition or liveweight changes of the animals. Thus, in silage and hay based feeding the proportion of peas in the concentrate mixture can be at least 35 % and the daily pea ration can amount to 3—4kg without any harmful effects on milk production.