ONIVERBITT OF CALIfOBHIA PUBLICATIONS COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA THE VALUE OF BARLEY FOR COWS FED ALFALFA BY GORDON H. TRUE, F. W. WOLL, AND E. C. VOORHIES Cows fed Alfalfa in Feeding Backs in the Corral BULLETIN No. 256 Berkeley, Cal., June, 1915 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA PRESS BERKELEY 1915 Benjamin Ide Wheeler, President of the University. EXPERIMENT STATION STAFF HEADS OP DIVISIONS Thomas Forsyth Hunt, Director. Eugene W. Hilgard, Agricultural Chemistry (Emeritus). Edward J. Wickson, Horticulture. Herbert J. Webber, Director Citrus Experiment Station ; Plant Breeding. Hubert E. Van Norman, Vice-Director; Dairy Management. William A. Setchell, Botany. Myer E. Jaffa, Nutrition. Robert H. Loughridge, Soil Chemistry and Physics (Emeritus). Charles W. Woodworth, Entomology. Ralph E. Smith, Plant Pathology. J. Eliot Coit, Citriculture. John W. Gilmore, Agronomy. Charles F. Shaw, Soil Technology. John W. Gregg, Landscape Gardening and Floriculture. Frederic T. Bioletti, Viticulture and Enology. Warren T. Clarke, Agricultural Extension. John S. Burd, Agricultural Chemistry. Charles B. Lipman, Soil Chemistry and Bacteriology. Clarence M. Haring, Veterinary Science and Bacteriology. Ernest B. Babcock, Genetics. Gordon H. True, Animal Husbandry. James T. Barrett, Plant Pathology. Fritz W. Woll, Animal Nutrition. A. V. Stubenrauch, Pomology. Walter Mulford, Forestry. W. P. Kelley, Agricultural Chemistry. H. J. Quayle, Entomology. William G. Hummell, Agricultural Education. Leon M. Davis, Dairy Industry. John E. Dougherty, Poultry Husbandry. Frank Adams, Irrigation Practice. David N. Morgan, Assistant to the Director. Mrs. D. L. Bunnell, Librarian. DIVISION OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY Gordon H. True R. F. Miller F. W. Woll E. C. Voorhies J. I. Thompson Chas. Burge V. F. Dolcini THE VALUE OF BARLEY FOR COWS FED ALFALFA By GORDON H. TRUE, F. W. WOLL, and E. C. VOORHIES The majority of dairy farmers in the irrigated valleys of our state depend upon alfalfa for feeding their cows, and as a rule these receive no other feed the year round. The cows are pastured on alfalfa during the summer or are fed green alfalfa in feed racks in corrals, and during the winter season they are fed alfalfa hay either in the corral or in the barn. Alfalfa belongs to the class of feeding stuffs known as protein feeds, which contain relatively large proportions of flesh- forming substances (protein) and are correspondingly low in starchy or heat-producing substances (so-called carbohydrates). Investiga- tions of problems connected with the feeding of dairy cows have shown that a ratio of about one part of the former class of components to five or six of the latter is theoretically best suited to the production of milk, in the case of ordinary dairy cows, and that only cows of exceptional capacity for dairy production can make economical use of a larger proportion of protein substances. The proportion of digest- ible carbohydrates and fat in feeding stuffs is known as the nutritive ratio; in the case of green alfalfa or alfalfa hay this is approximately 1 :4, meaning that there are four times as much digestible carbohy- drates and fat as digestible protein in this crop. On theoretical grounds we should, therefore, expect that an exclusive alfalfa ration for dairy cows might be improved upon by the addition of some feeds relatively low in protein, like Indian corn fodder or silage, grain hay, sorghum crops, roots, or concentrates like the cereal grains, flour-mill feeds, etc. While very little direct evidence bearing on this question is at hand, the practice among many dairy farmers has been to sup- plement alfalfa with feeds like those mentioned, especially corn silage or barley, or both, and this practice is apparently gaining ground. Barley is the main grain crop of the state and, as a rule, the cheapest concentrate available for feeding farm animals; hence this grain is generally used for feeding our dairy cows supplementary to alfalfa. In order to secure definite information as to the value of this system of feeding, the Animal Husbandry Division, of this station has taken up the subject for study and has now conducted two experiments with regard to this question, viz., during the years 1913 and 1914. The conditions under which the experiments were conducted and the main results obtained are briefly discussed in the following pages. [425] 426 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA EXPERIMENT STATION I. EXPERIMENT CONDUCTED DURING THE SUMMER OF 1913i Fourteen cows in the University dairy herd were available for this experiment. Two of the cows were pure-bred Jerseys, one a pure- bred Holstein, and the remainder were grades which had been pur- chased only a few weeks before the experiment commenced. But little information could be secured as to the past history of these grades, but they were all in the early stages of lactation at the beginning of the experiment. The cows on the experiment were separated into two lots as nearly alike as possible with reference to breed, age, weight, and production. The following table shows the main facts relating to the history and the production of the cows. Lot A Weight, Age, Name and Breed lbs. yrs. Jewel's Adelaide, Jersey 1019 5 Rosie, Shorthorn grade 1262 5 Cherry, Shorthorn grade 1169 5 Roanee, Shorthorn grade 865 2 Hannah, Holstein grade 1185 5 Whittie, Holstein grade 961 5 Peggy, Holstein grade 944 3 Average 1058 4% Last calf 3/14/13 Production, July 24-30, 1913 A calve, months (9)* 7 Milk, lbs. 76.9 156.7 251.7 121.2 313.8 197.9 283.1 Butter fat, lbs. 4.36 5.64 5 9.06 8 4.00 (11)* (10)* 9 7/16/13 8.78 6.92 9.91 8.4 201.2 6.95 Lot B Due to Name and Breed lbs. yrs. calve, Weight, Age, months Begonia's Adelaide, Jersey 1061 5 8 Bessie, Shorthorn grade 1003 5 6 Molly, Shorthorn grade 1135 5 5 Helen, Holstein grade 1274 7 (9)* Blackie, Holstein grade 1157 5 6 Biddie, Holstein grade 1003 3 (14)* Bess of Hopland Lass, Holstein .. 1061 3 7 Average 1099 4% 7.9 * Not bred at beginning of experiment. Production, July 24-30, 1913 Milk, Last calf lbs. 3/9/13 131.4 212.1 202.5 264.9 110.9 228.8 6/8/13 ' 229.1 Butter fat, lbs. 6.57 7.63 8.08 9.50 4.44 8.43 7.09 198.0 7.39 The animals on the experiment were placed on one side of the University Farm dairy barn, the two lots being separated by an alley- way. Two small corrals were available and one of them was assigned i This experiment was planned by Professor Gordon H. True and Mr. E. C. Voorhies, and was conducted under the immediate supervision of the latter. BULLETIN 256 VALUE OF BARLEY FOR COWS FED ALFALFA 427 Cherry — grade Shorthorn Peggy — grade Holstein 428 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA EXPERIMENT STATION to each lot. The treatment accorded both lots of cows and the conduct of the experiment, in general, was identical for all cows except as regards the system of feeding adopted. The plan of the experiment called for three periods of three weeks each. On account of the ad- vanced stage of lactation of many cows on the experiment, it was deemed best to arrange for periods of this length. During period I the cows in Lot A received 30 pounds of green alfalfa per day per head, with all the alfalfa hay which they would clean up. The cows in Lot B received the same allowance of green alfalfa, together with what alfalfa hay they would eat, and were fed ground barley in addi- tion. The system of feeding the cows during different periods will be seen from the following statement : Period I Period II Period III Lot A fGreen alfalfa, 30 lbs. J Alfalfa hay, ad lib. Ground barley fGreen alfalfa, 30 lbs. ) Hay, ad lib. fGreen alfalfa, 30 lbs. 1 Hay, ad lib. Ground barley Lot B Green alfalfa, 30 lbs. Alfalfa hay, ad lib. Green alfalfa, 30 lbs. Hay, ad lib. Ground barley Green alfalfa, 30 lbs. Hay, ad lib. The green alfalfa and the ground barley were weighed out separ- ately for every cow and were fed in the dairy barn. The alfalfa hay was weighed out for each lot separately and fed in hayracks in the corrals. Each cow received barley in proportion to the amount of milk produced, the ratio of grain to milk being approximately one pound of barley to every five pounds of milk produced by the cows. Every milking from the individual cows on the experiment was weighed and sampled and composite samples of each cow's milk were tested every two days. All cows were apparently in good health and ate their feed with relish throughout the experiment. Before commencing Period I a preliminary feeding of six days was introduced in order to accustom the cows to the rations they were to receive during the experimental period. The records of milk and butter fat produced by the cows during Period I (August 6 to 26. 1913) and the feed consumed during this period for both lots of cows are given in the following table: Bulletin 256 VALUE OF BARLEY FOR COWS FED ALFALFA 420 Feed and Milk Records, Period I, August 6-21, 1913, Per Cow Per Week Lot A Green Alfalfa Ground Butter fat alfalfa, hay, barley, Milk, , -*> ^ Date lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. per cent lbs. August 6-12 210 157 44.0 215.1 3.4 7.43 August 13-19 210 157 46.0 212.2 3.5 7.48 August 20-26 210 143 45.5 210.3 3.5 7.30 Average 210 152 45.1 212.5 3.5 7.40 Green alfalfa, Date lbs. August 6-12 210 August 13-19 210 August 20-26 210 Average 210 Lot B Alfalfa Ground hay, barley, Milk, lbs. lbs. lbs. 168 166.9 172 165.3 147 154.7 162 162.0 Butter fat a per cent lbs. 3.8 6.31 3.8 6.29 3.7 5.74 3.8 6.12 The green alfalfa fed during this period was only of fair quality. At the beginning of the period the alfalfa was nearly in full bloom, while at the end it was considerably past this stage of growth. Al- though rather coarse and woody, it was eaten with relish by both lots of cows, there being but little wasted. During the first two w r eeks of the period the alfalfa hay was rather poor, containing but few leaves and tender stems; during the last week, however, the quality of the hay was much improved. During the second period of the experiment (August 27th to Sep- tember 16th) , Lot A received the ration fed to Lot B during the first period, green alfalfa and alfalfa hay, while Lot B received ground barley in addition to the alfalfa. The milk and butter fat records and feed consumed by the cows during this period are as follows : Green alfalfa, Date lbs. August 27-Sept. 2 .... 210 September 3-9 210 September 10-16 210 Average 210 Lot A Alfalfa Ground hay, barley, Milk, lbs. lbs. lbs. 136 182.7 147 170.2 155 165.9 146 Butter fat A per cent 3.6 3.5 3.6 172.9 3.6 lbs. 6.54 5.96 5.96 6.15 430 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA EXPERIMENT STATION Lot B Green alfalfa, Date lbs. August 27-Sept. 2 .... 210 September 3-9 210 September 10-16 210 Average 210 Ufalfa hay, lbs. Ground barley, lbs. Milk, lbs. Buttei A ■ fat f per cent lbs. 129 36.6 154.6 3.7 5.79 128 42.7 168.7 3.7 6.18 120 39.6 159.0 160.8 3.7 3.7 6.18 126 39.6 6.40 The green alfalfa during the first week of Period II was very coarse, while during the second week it was young and tender and contained but few weeds. On September 10th the green feed was obtained from a new alfalfa field which contained a large number of poppies. The hay used during this period was of very good quality, being exceptionally fine and leafy. The records for Period III of the experiment, when the rations fed were similar to those fed during Period I. are given below: Feed and Milk Records, Period III, September 17-Octcber 7, Per Week Per Cow Lot A Average 210 146.6 41.4 176.5 3.7 Green alfalfa, lbs. Alfalfa hay, lbs. Ground barley, lbs.* Milk, lbs. Butter fat A Date r per cent lbs. September 17-23 ... . 210 126.1 40.6 172.9 3.7 6.47 September 24-30 ... . 210 150.0 42.7 176.3 3.7 6.66 October 1-7 . 210 163.6 40.9 180.1 3.7 6.72 6.62 Lot B Average 210 151.9 138.2 3.8 Green alfalfa, lbs. Alfalfa hay, lbs. Ground barley, lbs. Milk, lbs. Butter fat A Date r per cent lbs. September 17-23 .. .. 210 114.0 135.6 3.6 5.03 September 24-30 .. .. 210 160.7 136.9 3.9 5.43 October 1-7 .. 210 180.9 142.2 3.9 5.57 5.34 During the first two weeks of this period the green alfalfa was leafy and succulent, and that fed during the last week was very young, but of good quality and greatly relished by the cows. The hay during the first week was of fair quality, but during the last two weeks it was very coarse and had but few leaves. If the data for the three periods in which the ration consisted of barley and alfalfa are added together, and likewise those for the Bulletin 256 value of barley for cows fed alfalfa 431 periods where the ration consisted solely of alfalfa, we have the fol- lowing average results : Average Results for Alfalfa Periods and Alfalfa-Barley Periods Per Week Green Alfalfa Butter fat alfalfa, hay, Barley, Milk, , A ^ lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. per cent lbs. Alfalfa and barley periods 210 141 42 183.3 3.6 6.65 Alfalfa periods 210 153 157.6 3.7 5.87 Difference 12 42 25.7 0.1 0.78 It will be seen that 25.7 pounds more milk and .78 pound more butter fat was produced per head per week when the cows received barley and alfalfa than when they were fed alfalfa only; there was, therefore, an increase in production of 16 per cent milk and 13 per cent butter fat, incident to feeding barley in addition to alfalfa. While on alfalfa and barley the cows ate 42 pounds of barley and 12 pounds less of alfalfa hay per head weekly than when on alfalfa only. Sim- ilar amounts of green alfalfa were fed to the cows in both lots through- out the experiment, viz., 30 pounds per head daily. WEIGHT OF COWS The cows on the experiment were weighed for three consecutive days at the beginning and end of the experiment, and also on going from Period I to Period II, and from Period II to Period III. Taking the averages of the weights for the two lots obtained at the beginning and the end of each period, we arrive at the following figures for the weights of the cows during the alfalfa and the alfalfa and barley periods. Average Weights of Cows Lot A Lot B 1059 lbs. (barley and alfalfa) 1093 lbs. (alfalfa only) 1070 lbs. (altalfa only) 1117 lbs. (barley and alfalfa) 1094 lbs. (barley and alfalfa) 1133 lbs. (alfalfa only) An increase in the weight of the cows will be noted with the progress of the experiment. In the case of Lot A, where a change was made from barley and alfalfa to alfalfa, a gain of 11 pounds was found, while on changing from alfalfa alone to alfalfa and barley the cows gained an average of 24 pounds per head. A net gain of 13 pounds per head was, therefore, obtained on the average for Lot A as a result of feeding barley in addition to alfalfa. 432 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA EXPERIMENT STATION An examination of the results by Lot B will show that there was an average gain of 24 pounds in going from alfalfa to alfalfa and barley, while a gain of 16 pounds is noted in going on to the alfalfa ration, leaving an average difference of 8 pounds in this case. There was, therefore, a net gain of 10.5 pounds incident to the feeding of barley supplementary to green alfalfa and alfalfa hay. RELATIVE ECONOMY OF RATIONS In order to ascertain whether a commensurate increase in produc- tion was secured as a result of the feeding of barley, average prices for the products and feeds are assumed as follows: Barley $24 a ton Alfalfa hay $8 a ton Milk 16 cents per gal. Butter fat 33V3 cents per lb. Skim milk (80 per cent of whole milk) 25 cents per cwt. Increase in body weight 5 cents per lb. The calculations as to the economy of the feeding of barley will be based on the data for the entire period during which the system of feeding was followed, instead of on the weekly averages, and the returns determined on the assumption that (a) the milk is sold at 16 cents a gallon, and (6) butter fat is sold at S3y 3 cents a pound. (a) On basis of milk sold at 16 cents a gallon. — The total increase in milk production due to the feeding of barley was 1609.1 pounds, or 187 gallons ; hence we would have if we were selling whole milk at 16 cents per gallon : 187 x .16 $29.92 731/2 x .05, increase in body weight 3.67 Total gain by feeding barley $33.59 The total amount of barley fed on the experiment amounted to 2649 pounds. At $24 a ton (1.2 cents per pound) the cost of this amount of barley was : 2649 x. 012 $31.79 Since the cows ate less alfalfa hay when fed barley, we should deduct from this amount the value of the saving in alfalfa hay : 9656-8911 745 745 x .004 $2.98 $31.79-$2.98 $28.81 BULLETIN 256 VALUE OF BARLEY FOR COWS FED ALFALFA 433 This represents the net increase in the cost of the rations, incurred by feeding barley. Comparing this figure with the increased value of the production, $33.59, we note that a profit of $4.78 was secured as a result of adding barley to the alfalfa ration on this experiment, on the basis of selling milk at 16 cents per gallon and including the value of the gain in weight by the cows at 5 cents per pound. (b) On basis of butter fat sold at 33 X / ?J cents per pound. — If we were selling butter fat at 33% cents per pound, the increase in receipts would be as follows : Value of butter fat, 48.90 x. 33% $16.30 Body weight, 73% x .05 3.67 Skim milk, 1 2.87 x. 25 3.22 Total increase in value of the production $23.19 Comparing this figure with $28.81 (the increased cost of the barley ration), a loss of $5.62 for the cows during the actual feeding of barley is obtained. Whether this is the final criterion as to the economy of the system of feeding grain to cows on alfalfa, or whether there are other factors that should be considered in this connection, like the effect of the grain feeding on the milk flow beyond the period when the barley was actually fed, and the influence of an increase in body weight on the milk secretion of cows, will be discussed after the results for the second year's trial have been presented. II. EXPERIMENT CONDUCTED DURING THE SUMMER OF 1914 The experiment on feeding grain to cows on alfalfa conducted last summer was somewhat similar to the one just reported as regards plan and conduct. It differed from this mainly in the larger number of cows placed on the experiment and in the length and the arrangement of the feeding periods. Eighteen cows were included in the experi- ment, which were separated into two lots of nine each ; these were as even as possible as regards breed of cows, average body weight, age, distance from calving and time when due, production of milk, solids and butter fat, etc. The following statement gives data relating to these points for the cows on the experiment during the week of July 2-9, 1914. 434 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA EXPERIMENT STATION Lot A Breed wt. Age, yrs. In milk, mo. Due to calve, mo. Milk, lbs. Butter fat A Solids Name lbs. per cent lbs. Peggy Gr. H. 982 6 2 (14)* 273.7 9.04 3.3 33.1 Boyal Rival 's Queen G. 1135 sy 2 10 132.4 6.22 4.7. 18.8 Eoanee Gr. Sh. 930 4 4 5 151.4 5.00 3.3 18.2 Woodland Gr. H. 1188 1 118.6 6.75 5.7 17.5 Queen H. 1428 7V> 9 4 167.5 5.03 3.0 18.9 Bess Lass H. 1045 4 1 (13)* 127.8 4.11 3.2 15.1 Cherry Gr. Sh. 1225 6 7 6 ] 54.1 5.24 3.4 18.5 Colantha H. 910 2 9 6 99.7 3.09 3.1 12.0 Bessie Gr. Sh. 1050 6 5% ( 6 8) 6(8) (6)* 189.4 157.2 6.63 5.68 3.5 3.61 22.5 Averages, 1099 7.7 19.3 Lot B Breed Wt. Age, yrs. In milk, mo. Due to calve, mo. Milk, lbs. Butter fat Solids Name lbs. > per cent lbs. Golden Fern Mermaiden J. 960 7% 3 (10)* 90.9 5.00 5.5 13.4 Blackie Gr. H. 1185 6 6 5 91.8 4.04 4.4 12.2 Helen Gr. H. 1335 6 3 8 232.3 7.20 3.1 27.7 Rosie Gr. Sh. 1165 6 4 (8)* 158.4 6.02 3.8 19.0 Bess II H. 1200 3Vo 2 (12)* 213.8 8.34 3.9 27.4 Molly Gr. Sh. 1110 6 2 (6)* 135.4 5.42 4.0 17.1 Lulu J. 1150 10 7 161.9 6.80 4.2 21.4 Whittie Gr. H. 1010 6 2 187.6 6.19 3.3 22.3 La Polka H. 1320 1159 5 6 5 4 8 131.0 ' ) 155.9 4.32 3.3 3.80 15.6 Averages, 8.1 5.93 19.6 Not bred at beginning of experiment. Each lot included 5 Holstein (grades or pure breds) and the other breeds were represented as follows: Lot 1, 3 Shorthorns, 1 Guernsey; and Lot II, 2 Shorthorns and 2 Jerseys. The experiment was separated into two periods of four weeks' duration each, during which the cows in the two lots were fed as follows : Period I (July 23-August 20, 1914) : Lot A — Alfalfa only. Lot B — Alfalfa and barley. Period II (August 27-September 24, 1914) Lot A — Alfalfa and barley. Lot B — Alfalfa only. BULLETIN 256 VALUE OF BARLEY FOR COWS FED ALFALFA 435 Hannah — grade Holstein Whittie — grade Holstein « 436 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA EXPERIMENT STATION Each period was preceded by a week's preliminary feeding in order to accustom the cows to the system of feeding to be followed during the subsequent four weeks. All feed eaten by the cows was weighed, and the milk produced by them was weighed, sampled, and tested in a similar manner as in the first experiment. In addition feed samples were taken several times during the progress of the experiment and forwarded to Professor M. E. Jaffa, Chief of the Nutrition Labora- tories,* Berkeley, California, for chemical analysis. The following table shows the results of the analyses of the samples of feeding stuffs : Chemical Analyses of Feeding Stuffs, in Per Cent Lab. No. Feeding stuff Moisture Protein Fat Fiber N-free extract Ash 1268 Green alfalfa 74.33 5.10 .42 5.55 12.06 2.54 1188 Alfalfa hay 23.00 17.50 2.70 19.55 29.25 8.00 1208 Alfalfa hay 12.00 14.49 .91 30.86 33.84 7.90 1215 Alfalfa hay 15.87 11.32 1.30 28.63 35.85 7.03 1218 Alfalfa hay Average, 9.95 16.28 1.88 30.68 33.44 7.77 15.20 14.90 1.70 27.43 33.09 7.68 1185 Barley 8.00 13.50 2.20 7.48 65.47 3.35 1211 Barley 11.89 9.81 1.31 6.18 67.55 3.26 1217 Barley Average, 12.36 10.37 1.80 6.26 66.61 2.60 10.75 11.23 1.77 6.64 66.54 3.07 The quality of the green alfalfa and the alfalfa hay fed during the experiment varied considerably, especially that of the hay, which was mostly of medium to poor grade. The green alfalfa and most of the alfalfa hay was fed in feeding racks in the corrals, and there was an unavoidable, though fairly constant, waste of feed in both cases. During the first week of the experiment the cows did not receive any ha}^, but as they commenced to scour they were fed some hay during the second week and the amount of hay fed was gradually increased as the experiment progressed. The following table shows the results obtained on the experiment during the periods when alfalfa only or alfalfa and barley were fed, so far as the production of milk, solids, and butter fat, and the body weights of the cows are concerned. The amounts of feed eaten per day and each week of the experiment are also given in the table : Bulletin 256 VALUE OF BARLEY FOR COWS FED ALFALFA 437 Feed Consumption and Production Per Cow Per Week Lot A — Period I Green alfalfa Alfalfa hay Barley Milk, lbs. Solids, lbs. Butter fat A Average body wt., lbs. Week t per cent lbs. 1 532 42.8 150.2 18.9 3.63 5.45 1108 2 531 34 39.0 155.9 19.9 3.76 5.87 1116 3 376 74 39.8 152.1 19.1 3.68 5.59 1124 4 364 , 451 93 50 38.8 141.7 18.3 19.1 3.72 3.70 5.27 1114 Average, 40.1 150.0 5.55 1116 Lot B — Period II Alfalfa hay Barley Milk, Solids, lbs. lbs. Butter fat A Average body wt., lbs. Week alfalfa r per cent lbs. 1 419 140 39.7 127.2 16.2 3.66 4.66 1185 2 567 152 39.6 120.9 15.3 3.94 4.61 1208 3 406 182 29.7 117.2 15.6 3.95 4.63 1213 4 321 88 141 42.8 113.6 15.1 4.12 4.52 4.61 1217 Average, 428 40.5 119.7 15.6 3.85 1206 .both lots, 440 95 40.3 134.9 17.3 3.78 5.08 1161 Lot A — Period II Green alfalfa 585 Alfalfa Milk, hay Barley lbs. 118 116.3 Solids, lbs. 15.1 Butter fat A Average bodv wt. lbs. 1109 Week 1 r per cent 3.77 lbs. 4.39 2 663 120 108.1 13.0 3.77 3.84 1137 3 346 221 93.0 12.4 3.95 3.67 1139 4 334 482 147 81.8 10.8 12.8 4.07 3.26 1143 Average, 152 99.8 3.80 3.79 1132 Lot B — Period I Alfalfa hay Barley Milk, lbs. Solids, lbs. Butter A fat Average bodv wt., lbs. Week alfalfa f per cent lbs. 1 652 142.2 17.7 3.92 5.58 1169 2 657 34 142.2 18.1 3.78 5.39 1181 3 449 88 139.5 17.5 3.65 5.07 1177 4 501 59 45 129.5 16.4 17.4 3.61 4.67 1170 Average, 565 138.4 3.74 5.18 1174 Lv. both lots, 523 98 119.1 15.1 3.76 4.48 1153 Difference, — 83 —3 40.3 15.8 2.2 .02 .60 8 In per cent, 13 15 13 438 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA EXPERIMENT STATION The data presented in the table show that the cows ate the follow- ing amounts of feed per week during the alfalfa and barley periods : 440 pounds of green alfalfa, 95 pounds of alfalfa hay, and 40.3 pounds of barley: and produced on these rations 134.9 pounds of milk, con- taining 17.3 pounds of solids and 5.08 pounds butter fat (average fat content, 3.78 per cent). On the exclusive alfalfa rations, on the other hand, they ate 523 pounds of green alfalfa and 98 pounds of alfalfa hay, and produced on the average for both periods 119.1 pounds of milk, containing 15.1 pounds of solids and 4.48 pounds fat (average fat content, 3.76 per cent). There was, therefore, an increase of 13 per cent in the production of milk and butter fat incident to the feed- ing of barley, a figure that agrees closely with that obtained in the 1913 experiment. BODY WEIGHTS OF COWS As shown by the figures in the preceding table, the average body weights of the cows for the two systems of feeding were : on alfalfa only, 1153 pounds; on alfalfa and barley, 1161 pounds, a gain of 8 pounds. It will be noted that the cows gained in weight throughout the experiment, but larger gains were made during the barley periods than when rough feed only was fed. Comparing the weights of all the cows at the beginning and the end of the two periods, we find that 13 of the cows gained in weight when fed alfalfa and barley, and 9 gained in weight when on alfalfa only; the average gains being 13 pounds per head in favor of the grain periods. This result again agrees closely with that of the preceding year as regards the influence of the barley feeding on the body weights of the cows. DAILY RATIONS EATEN BY COWS While on alfalfa and barley the cows ate, on the average, an equivalent of 63 pounds of green alfalfa, 13.6 pounds of alfalfa hay, and 5.8 pounds of ground barley per head daily, and on alfalfa only, 75 pounds of green alfalfa and 14 pounds of alfalfa hay. On the former ration they produced, on the average, 19.3 pounds of milk and .73 pound butter fat per day, and on the latter 17 pounds milk and .64 pound of butter fat. Assuming that average digestion coefficients for the various feeding stuffs may be applied to the particular feeds used in this experiment, the amounts of digestible components sup- plied in the rations are found as given below. Bulletin 256 value of barley for cows fed alfalfa 4:3!) Composition of Average Rations Fed to Cows, in Pounds Digestible N Dry Carboh\ drates Nutritive matter Protein and fat ratio Alfalfa and barley 32.8 4.4 16.4 1 :3.7 Alfalfa only 31.2 4.4 14.1 1 :3.2 It appears from these figures that the cows received somewhat more nutriment in their feed during the alfalfa and barley periods than when on alfalfa alone. The average amount of dry matter supplied in the rations is considerably higher than that called for by the accepted feeding standards, and the amount of digestible protein is at least twice that which cows producing toward a pound of butter fat per day will require, according to these standards. The explanation of these apparent discrepancies is to be sought partially in the fact that the cows did not eat all the green alfalfa and alfalfa hay weighed out to them. There was, as previously stated, more or less coarse feed wasted throughout the experiment and a somewhat larger proportion of waste took place during the latter part of the experiment than during the first periods, owing to the coarse character of the green feed and hay fed at this time. Unfortunately, the arrangement of corral feeding does not permit of a satisfactory determination of the amounts of feed wasted. In the efforts of the cows to get hold of the best parts of the feed some is pulled out of the feeding racks and trampled on. This is especially the case when only a fair or poor quality of alfalfa is fed ; the part lost in feeding is, naturally, the least valuable of the plant, hence the amount of valuable digestible feed components, and especially protein, actually consumed by the cows is proportionately lower than the total dry matter eaten. It is evident, therefore, that the amount of digestible protein in the rations shown in the preceding table is too high and that the nutritive ratios given are narrower than those of the rations actually eaten. Since the nutritive ratio of either green alfalfa or alfalfa hay is likely to be narrower than 1 :4, and since the bulk of the nutrients in the alfalfa and barley rations (over 80 per cent) was furnished by the alfalfa, it follows that the cows fed either alfalfa alone or alfalfa and barley will receive an abnormally large proportion of protein substances and a considerably narrower nutritive ratio than suggested by approved principles of animal nutrition as embodied in the accepted feeding standards. Whether this is of sufficient importance from a physiological point of view to more than counterbalance the relative economy of this svstem of feeding under the conditions prevailing in this and other 440 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA EXPERIMENT STATION western states is a question that cannot be definitely answered with our present knowledge. Some further light may be thrown thereon later in the discussion of the general problems considered in this bulletin. TOTAL PRODUCTION AND FEED CONSUMPTION Considering the total production and feed consumption for the periods when alfalfa only and when alfalfa and barley were fed, we find that the cows produced on this experiment the amounts of milk and butter fat and consumed the feed given below. Summary of Feed Eaten and Production of Milk and Butter Fat, in Pounds Butter fat Green Alfalfa f A ^ Rations fed alfalfa hav Barlev Milk per cent lbs. Alfalfa and barley 31,680 6840 2901.6 9712.8 3.78 365.76 Alfalfa only 37,656 7056 8575.2 3.76 322.56 Difference 5,976 216 2901.6 ,1137.6 .02 43.20 Increase in production, in per cent 13 13 ECONOMICS OF BARLEY FEEDING At the prices for feeds and products, previously given, the eco- nomics of feeding barley to the cows on this experiment may be stated as follows : Cost of feed: 2901.6 lbs. barley @ $1.20 per cwt $34.82 216 lbs. alfalfa hay @ $8 per ton 86 5976 lbs. green alfalfa @ $2 per ton $5.98 6.84 Returns in production: $27.98 1137.6 lbs. (131 gals.) milk @ 16 cents per gallon .. $20.96 72 lbs. gain in weight @ 5 cents 3.60 $24.56 43.2 lbs. butter fat @ 33y 3 cents $14.38 910.1 lbs. skim milk @ 25 cents per cwt 2.28 72 lbs. gain in weight @ 5 cents 3.60 $20.26 The increase in the value of the products obtained as a result of feeding barley to the cows during certain periods was not sufficient to pay for the grain fed in last year's experiment, whether the calcu- lations be based on whole milk at 16 cents per gallon or butter fat at 33% cents per pound, the value of the grain in body weight figured at beef prices being included in both cases. It would not, however, BULLETIN 256 VALUE OF BARLEY FOR COWS FED ALFALFA 441 Queen — Holstein Lulu — Jersey 442 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA EXPERIMENT STATION be safe to conclude from this result that the feeding of grain to cows on alfalfa does not pay, for there are at least two points that should be considered in this connection : one is the effect of grain feeding on the production of the cows during the balance of the lactation period after the more liberal system of feeding has been discontinued, and second, the effect of a good body condition of the cows on their off- spring and on their production during' the following lactation period. RESIDUAL EFFECT OF GRAIN FEEDING As to the first point, it is definitely known that a change in the method of feeding will continue to influence the milk secretion during the remainder of the lactation period ; when the production of a cow has been stimulated by high feeding for a time, she will continue at a higher level of production throughout the balance of the lactation period than would have been the case if she had not been thus fed, and the lactation period may also be extended beyond the time when the cow would otherwise have gone dry. Hence, credit should be given for the residual or continued effect of a certain system of feeding- practiced before deciding whether or not adequate returns are ob- tained as a result of this system of feeding. This residual effect can- not be directly determined with any degree of definiteness ; it will vary with the kind and condition of the cows and the method of feed- ing practiced, as to the character of the feeds and the intensity of the system of feeding. Another point to be considered in connection with the question of the economy of grain feeding to cows on alfalfa is the influence of the body condition of cows on their milk secretion. We have seen that in both experiments the feeding of barley caused the cows to gain more in body weight than when fed alfalfa only. With good dairy cows there is always a clanger of their losing weight when in full flow of milk. Cows with a great capacity for dairy production are espec- ially likely to "milk their flesh off' during the early part of the lactation period. An extra supply of nutrients stored in their body at the time of freshening will be available for milk production as needed and will enable the cows to maintain their milk production better than would otherwise be the case. A good body condition in a dairy cow is also advantageous for another reason : when cows come in "in thin flesh," the per cent of fat of the milk will, as a rule, be below normal, and this low fat content will continue throughout the lactation period. In extreme cases the average fat content in the milk for the lactation period may be nearly 1 per cent below that of normal lactation periods when the cow freshens in good body flesh. Bulletin 256 value of barley for cows fed alfalfa 443 Cows in good body condition at the time of freshening are also more likely to give birth to strong, thrifty calves than cows in a poor condition. 2 There is reason to believe, therefore, that the increase in the body weight which came as the result of feeding barley to the cows on both experiments described in the preceding has an important bearing on the usefulness of the cows in the dairy, and that it would tend both to increase the flow of milk during the following lactation period and cause the cows to produce milk of the highest fat content of which they are capable. As in the case of the residual influence of grain feeding, the evidence at hand is not sufficient to give a definite figure for the improvement wrought in either case, but it may be safely assumed that both factors are more or less important in the manage- ment of dairy herds, and that the influence of the grain feeding to cows on alfalfa does not cease when this is discontinued. The economy of this system of feeding cannot therefore be determined by comparing the value of the increase in production during the actual period of grain feeding with the cost of the amount of grain consumed. INFLUENCE OF FEEDING GRAIN TO COWS ON PASTURE The statement just made is fully borne out by the results of investi- gations conducted by the Cornell 3 (New York) and Mississippi 4 Ex- periment Stations. In an experiment at the former station a lot of 8 cows that were fed grain while at pasture gave about 27 per cent more milk and gained 53 pounds in live 'weight per cow more than another similar lot of cows that received no grain. During six months beginning with April of the season following that during which grain was given, when all cows were fed alike, the lot which had received grain produced 16 per cent more milk than did the lot receiving no grain. The question of the economy of feeding grain to cows on pas- ture is, in fact, closely related to that considered in this bulletin. In both systems succulent feeds are given, and young pasture grass re- sembles green alfalfa, both in the amount of nutrients that it contains and in the relation of the two classes of nutrients, protein and starchy components, which it furnishes. The former is shown by the amounts of digestible matter present in the two feeds, viz., 16.6 per cent in green alfalfa and 13.7 per cent in pasture grass, and the latter by the nutritive ratios of the two feeds, which are approximately 1 :3.6 for 2 Wis. Exp. Station, 19th Rept., p. 117; Mo. Exp. Station, Bull. 100; Cornell (N. Y.) Exp. Station, Bull. 323, p. 121. 3 Bulletin 49. 4 Bulletin 70. 444 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA EXPERIMENT STATION green alfalfa and 1 :4.5 for pasture grass. Similar, although less pro- nounced results, may be expected in feeding grain to cows on green alfalfa and alfalfa hay, as have been observed in the case of cows at pasture. A number of experiments along the latter line have been conducted by eastern and central experiment stations. 5 The general conclusion to which these have led is, briefly stated, that in the case of scant pasture the direct increase in milk flow secured will compen- sate for the cost of the grain fed, while with abundant pasturage the immediate increase in production is not sufficient to pay for the grain. In either case, however, a residual effect of the grain feeding is notice- able, which is likely to make the feeding of grain a paying proposition. PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF FEEDING ALFALFA EXCLUSIVELY As previously suggested, it is a question whether long continued feeding of heavy protein rations, such as used in these experiments, would not have specific physiological effects on the health and pro- duction of the cows, as well as on the development of young milk- producing animals. The nutritive ratios of either the alfalfa or the alfalfa and barley rations fed were very narrow, at any rate below 1 :4; allowing for the coarse hay or green feed wasted. Since a nutritive ratio of about 1:5.4 has been found physiologically best suited for milch cows, even in the case of large producers, it would seem possible that rations considerably narrower than this cannot be fed for long periods without some deleterious influence on the health or the production of the animals. While the protein substances have, in general, been found to have a stimulating influence on the milk secretion, an excessive supply is likely to cause abnormal conditions which will work against an eco- nomical production and the continued usefulness of the cows in the herd. In the digestion of the feed eaten by animals the protein sub- stances are broken down into compounds of simpler structure and one of the final waste products, urea, is secreted in the urine through the kidneys. Heavy feeding of protein feeds, like alfalfa, therefore, throws a large amount of labor on the kidneys, and diseased conditions readily result in the feeding of animals, as well as in man. There is but little definite information available in case of dairy cows with regard to this point. It appears to be a common opinion among dairy farmers, however, that digestive disorders and failure to breed 6 are 5 Cornell, bulletins 13, 22, 36, and 49; North Dakota, bulletin 16; Kansas Station Report, 1888; West Virginia, bulletin 109; Mississippi, bulletin 70 and Report 13; Utah, bulletin 68; Hoard's Dairyman, 1896, p. 924. e The Division of Veterinary Science of this Station has recently conducted an investigation, soon to be published, which indicates that heavy feeding of alfalfa is not a cause of sterility in cows, as has sometimes been claimed. BULLETIN 256 VALUE OF BARLEY FOR COWS FED ALFALFA 445 more frequently met with in herds where exclusive alfalfa feeding is practiced than where a mixed system of feeding is followed 7 It has been found in experiments conducted at the Wisconsin Experiment Station 8 that alfalfa possesses a specific diuretic effect and that a shrinkage in milk production followed a change from a ration com- posed of cornstalks, cornmeal, and gluten feed to an alfalfa-corn ration. Experiments with a number of heifers and young dairy cows have been in progress at the University Farm since April, 1914, in which alfalfa is being fed as the sole feed for long continued periods; it is expected that these will furnish much valuable information as to the specific influence of alfalfa on the development of young dairy animals and on the metabolic processes concerned in milk production. Whether one is disposed to place much emphasis on these experi- ments and findings or not, it is a fact that many leading dairy farmers in the state have abandoned the system of exclusive alfalfa feeding, except when good green alfalfa is available, and are supplementing the alfalfa with carbonaceous feeds, like corn or sorghum silage, barley or other concentrates, in feeding their cows. 9 This practice is appar- ently increasing. Farmers who are anxious to receive the best possible returns from their herds are now quite generally feeding their cows rations containing less protein and more starchy components than are contained in straight alfalfa, and find that it pays them to do so, especially in the case of their best cows. CONCLUSION The results of the two experiments with feeding barley to cows on alfalfa reported in this bulletin show that an immediate increase in production will be secured as a result of the grain feeding, but that this increase will not, as a rule, pay for the extra cost of the ration. On account of the increased production obtained and the residual effect of the grain feeding, as well as its favorable influence on the condition of the' cows and their offspring, it may be concluded, how- ever, that the practice of feeding grain to cows on alfalfa is economi- cally sound and may be recommended. This holds true, especially, for heifers and young cows, as well as for heavy-producing animals which cannot be brought to a maximum production on roughage only, even if this be as excellent and palatable a feed as green alfalfa or good alfalfa hay. 7 Pacific Rural Press, Sept. 19, 1914, "Silage and Alfalfa Faults"; Kimball's Dairy Farmer, Dec. 15, 1914, and Feb. 1, 1915, "A Question of Breeding." s Hart and Humphrey, Journal of Biol. Chem., 19, No. 1, p. 127. 9 See, e.g., Hoard's Dairyman, 1900, p. 784; Live Stock and Dairy Journal, March, 1913, p. 3; Pacific Rural Press, January 23, 1915, p. 120, and March 6, 1915, p. 289. STATION PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION REPORTS 1897. Resistant Vines, their Selection, Adaptation, and Grafting. Appendix to Viticultural Report for 1896. 1902. Report of the Agricultural Experiment Station for 1898-1901. 1903. Report of the Agricultural Experiment Station for 1901-03. 1904. Twenty-second Report of the Agricultural Experiment Station for 1903-04. 1914. Report of the College of Agriculture and the Agricultural Experiment Station, Julv, 1913-June, 1914. BULLETINS No. 168. 169. 170. 174. 177. 178. 182. 183. 184. 185. 195. 197. 198. 203. 207. 208. 211. 212. Observations on Some Vine Diseases in Sonoma County. Tolerance of the Sugar Beet for Alkali. Studies in Grasshopper Control. A New Wine-Cooling Machine. A New Method of Making Dry Red Wine. Mosquito Control. Analysis of Paris Green and Lead Arsenate. Proposed Insecticide Law. The California Tussock-Moth. Report of the Plant Pathologist to July 1, 1906. Report of Progress in Cereal Investi- gations. The California Grape Root-worm. Grape Culture in California ; Improved Methods of Wine-making; Yeast from California Grapes. The Grape Leaf-Hopper. Report of the Plant Pathologist to July 1, 1909. The Control of the Argentine Ant. The Late Blight of Celery. How to Increase the Yield of Wheat in California. California White Wheats. No. 213. 216. 220. 225. 227. 230. 234. 241. 242. 243. 244. 246. 248. 249. 250. 251, 252. 253. 254. 255. The Principles of Wine-making. A Progress Report upon Soil and Climatic Factors Influencing the Composition of Wheat. Dosage Tables. Tolerance of Eucalyptus for Alkali. Grape Vinegar. Enological Investigations. Red Spiders and Mites of Citrus Trees. Vine Pruning in California. Part I. Humus in California Soils. • The Intradermal Test for Tuberculosis in Cattle and Hogs. Utilization of Waste Oranges. Vine Pruning in California. Part II. The Economic Value of Pacific Coast Kelps. Stock Poisoning Plants of California. The Loquat. Utilization of the Nitrogen and Or- ganic Matter in Septic and Imhoff Tank Sludges. Deterioration of Lumber. Irrigation and Soil Conditions in the Sierra Nevada Foothills, California. The Avocado in California. The Citricola Scale. CIRCULARS No. 65. The California Insecticide Law. 69. The Extermination of Morning-Glory. 70. Observations on the Status of Corn Growing in California. 76. Hot Room Callusing. 79. List of Insecticide Dealers. 80. Boys' and Girls' Clubs. 82. The Common Ground Squirrels of California. 83. Potato Growing Clubs. 87. Alfalfa. 88. Advantages to the Breeder in Testing his Pure-bred Cows for the Register of Merit. 91. Disinfection on the Farm. 92. Infectious Abortion and Sterility in Cows. 100. Pruning Frosted Citrus Trees. 101. Codling Moth Control in the Sacra- mento Valley. 106. Directions for using Anti-Hog-Cholera Serum. 107. Spraving Walnut Trees for Blight and Aphis Control. 108. Grape Juice. No. 109. 110. 111. 113. 114. 115. 117. 118. 119. 121. 122. 123. 124. 125. 126. 127. 128. 129. 130. Communitv or Local Extension Work by the High School Agricultural De- partment. Green Manuring in California. The Use of Lime and Gypsum on Cali- fornia Soils. Correspondence Courses in Agriculture. Increasing the Dutv of Water. Grafting Vinifera Vineyards. The Selection and Cost of a Small Pumping Plant. The County Farm Bureau Winery Directions. Some Things the Prospective Settler Should Know. The Management of Strawberry Soils in Pajaro Valley. Fundamental Principles of Co-opera- tion in Agriculture. Alfalfa Silage for Fattening Steers. Aphids on Grain and Cantaloupes. Spraying for the Grape Leaf Hopper. House Fumigation. Insecticide Formulas. The Control of Citrus Insects. Cabbage Growing in California.