Effect of ensilation of lucerne on voluntary intake, digestibility, and eating and rumination behaviour in sheep

Abstract

Twelve wether sheep were used in a 2 x 2 factorial experiment in which voluntary intake, diet digestibility, and eating and ruminating behaviour were compared when sheep were offered lucerne (Medicago sativa) as either wilted silage or hay. Chemical characteristics suggested that the lucerne silage was well fermented, and chemical compositions of the silage and hay were similar. Voluntary intakes were not significantly (P<0.05) different and were 1201 and 1220 g/day for silage and hay, respectively. Digestibilities of dry matter and organic matter were similar for both feeds, as were chewing behaviour and rumen physical function. Apparent crude protein digestibility was significantly (P<0.05) higher for silage than for hay (73.8 v. 70.3%). It was concluded that well-preserved lucerne silage has at least as high a feeding value as well-made lucerne hay.