Co-Authors:
Maltz, E., Zootechnology Division, Institute of Agricultural Engineering, ARO, P.O. Box 6, Bel Dagan 50-250, Israel
Silanikove, N., Institute of Animal Science, ARO, The Volcani Center, P.O. Box 6, Box 6, Bet Dagan 50-250, Israel
Karaso, Y., Animal Division, Extensions Service, Ministry of Agriculture, Hakiria, Tel Aviv, Israel
Shefet, G., Farm Mechanization Division, Extensions Service, Ministry of Agriculture, Hakiria Tel Aviv, Israel
Meltzer, A., Animal Division, Extensions Service, Ministry of Agriculture, Hakiria, Tel Aviv, Israel
Barak, M., Zootechnology Division, Institute of Agricultural Engineering, ARO, P.O. Box 6, Bel Dagan 50-250, Israel
Abstract:
Feeding dairy goats (Israeli Saanen) in late lactation (last trimester) a total mixed ration (TMR), or a combination of TMR and separate concentrates and hay, or a separate feeding of concentrates and a high-quality hay was compared. Diet selectivity was appreciable with goats fed concentrates and hay separately, whereas there was no selectivity with TMR. Daily milk yield, milk fat, protein production and feed conversion ratio (kg feed kg-1 milk) in goats fed TMR was equal to or better than those recorded in the control and the combined regime. It was concluded that, in terms of diet utilization, the TMR feeding system was superior to feeding the different components separately. © 1991.