http://hdl.handle.net/11019/965 End-of-Project Reports from AGRIP programme 2017-11-06T17:27:05Z http://hdl.handle.net/11019/1494 Title: Maximising Output of Beef Within Cost Efficient, Environmentally Compatible Forage Conservation Systems. Authors: O'Kiely, Padraig; Moloney, Aidan P.; Keating, Thomas; Shiels, Patrick Abstract: A comprehensive research programme showed the potential benefits of replacing a productive old permanent grassland pasture dominated by indigenous species with new perennial or Italian ryegrass swards, when each was managed intensively, conserved as silage and fed to beef cattle. Ancillary experiments showed how the silage systems could be modified to improve productivity. However, they also showed that under a less intensive regime, replacing this old permanent pasture by ryegrass reseeds would be difficult to justify. Description: End of Project Report 1999-05-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/11019/1493 Title: Baled Silage - Development Of Reliable Baled Silage Systems Authors: O'Kiely, Padraig; Forristal, Dermot; Lenehan, J.J. Abstract: Baled silage is now made on two-thirds of all farms in Ireland, and accounts for one third of all silage made. It is particularly prevalent as the primary silage-making system on both beef farms and smaller-sized farms. However, it is also widespread as a second silage-making system on many other farms. The series of experiments contained in this report were conducted as part of a collaborative EU Structural Funds supported research project jointly carried out between the Teagasc research centres at Grange and Oak Park. Some of the research was also conducted in collaboration with the Botany Dept. at University College Dublin. Description: End of Project Report 1999-05-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/11019/1492 Title: Maize silage for milk production - Part 2: Effect of concentrate quality and quantity fed withmaize silage based forages on milk production Authors: Fitzgerald, J.J.; Murphy, J.J.; Culleton, N. Abstract: In some of the studies outlined in Part 1 of this report, mixed forages containing grass silage and a high proportion (60%) of maize silages varying in maturity and starch content were supplemented with concentrates at different levels to compare the response in milk production with a maize silage based forage and with good quality grass silage as the sole forage. The most suitable type of energy ingredient in the concentrate, i.e. high starch or low starch, high fibre ingredients, as supplements to maize silage based forages or grass silage was investigated. A range of levels of crude protein in the concentrate were examined in one study to determine the optimum level of crude protein in the supplement for maize silage based forages compared with grass silage. Description: End of Project Report 1998-11-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/11019/1491 Title: Maize silage for milk production - Part 1: Effect of the quality of maize silage on milk Authors: Fitzgerald, J.J.; Murphy, J.J.; O'Mara, Frank P.; Culleton, Noel Abstract: Ensiled forage maize is an alternative or complementary forage to grass silage and is the main source of forage for ruminant livestock in many European countries. The growing of maize for silage was tried unsuccessfully in Ireland in the 1970’s, was resumed in the late 1980’s and is now well established in suitable areas in the south and east of Ireland. However, variation in growing conditions and summer radiation can result in considerable variation in the yield, maturity and feeding value of the crop from year to year and between regions or locations within years. A series of experiments were conducted at Moorepark and at Johnstown Castle Research Centre to evaluate the role of maize silage in the diet of lactating dairy cows, the effect of variation in the quality (starch content and digestibility) of maize silage, the proportion of maize silage in the forage and the effect of harvesting date of immature maize silage on feed intake, milk production and milk composition compared with an all grass silage based diet. Grass silages of moderate or high digestibility were used. These studies were carried out with cows in early or mid lactation or at both stages of lactation. The forages were supplemented with concentrates at low to moderate levels of feeding (4-7 kg/cow/day). The concentrates generally contained a high level of crude protein (220- 250 g CP/kg fresh weight) to balance the low level of crude protein in maize silage. The experiments were conducted over periods of 7-9 weeks. Description: End of Project Report 1998-11-01T00:00:00Z