The influence of feeding on the composition of milk. Mangels versus dried sugar beet pulp

Extract

Experiments were carried out at two centres in Leicestershire during the spring of 1928, with the object of comparing the values of mangels and dried sugar beet pulp in the winter ration of dairy cows.

Two groups of cows were selected at each centre, and the usual method of feeding for a period on one ration and then reversing, was adopted. Composite samples of the milk from each group of cows were taken at six consecutive milkings per week, during the period of the experiment. Determinations of fat and solids not fat were made, and the yield of milk at each milking recorded.

Although there are indications that the change of ration caused a slight temporary variation in the quality of the milk, the secretion of milk solids followed, in a general way, the variation in yield: This is confirmed by the average composition figures representing the whole of the milk from each particular ration.

Thanks are due to Mr Thos. Hacking for placing every facility for obtaining these data at the disposal of the author.