Forage maize in the rations of dairy cows and fattening cattle in Bulgaria

For maize silage containing about 20% dry matter, the most suitable silage: grain ratio is 2:1 for daily milk production over 20 kg, and 3:1 for the rest of the lactation and dry period. Dehydrated whole maize pellets, given in combination with fresh alfalfa to dairy cows, promoted good milk yields.A complete ration containing 50% maize cobs or stover for fattening calves resulted in an average daily gain of 1200–1300 g in the age range 7–14 months. An improvement in energy value was attributed to steam pelleting and the consequent changes in the content of crude fibre, acid detergent fibre and lignin in the maize cobs or stover.