Lucerne plant tips as a protein-rich component in the feeding of lactating Simmental cows

In a feeding trial with 36 lactating Simmental cows, lucerne ( Medicago sativa L.) plant tips (hot-air dried) (LTH) were offered as a protein source in the concentrate feed mixture (CFM). All cows received the same partial mixed ration (PMR) and two types of CFM through separate feeding stations. The goal of this trial was to determine the feed intake, milk yield, milk composition, and rumination activity in comparison to a lucerne-free diet (CON). Using 30% (fresh matter base) of LTH in the CFM, it was possible to reduce other protein components (soybean meal and rape seed meal) by half. There were no significant differences between the two groups, except the calculated ruminal nitrogen balance (-12 g N/day [CON] versus –20 g N/day [LTH]). Nevertheless, the milk urea content was nearly even (rounded 220 mg/L) in both feeding groups. Milk yield and composition did not differ significantly; the same applies to weight changes or rumination activity. As a result, it can be verified that the tested lucerne plant tips are a reasonable protein source for dairy cows in early- and mid-lactation.