A RCBD study with 19 first lactation Holsteins was conducted to investigate the effects of replacing 10% of concentrate with alfalfa baleage on lactation performance. Intake of DM was greater (P=0.02) for low forage (21.92 kg/d) than high forage diet (21.18 kg/d). Digestibility of DM was similar (P=0.4) between high (39.65%) and low forage diet (41.64%). Yield of 4% FCM was similar by diet but greater (P=0.01) for less than or equal to 251 d (29.36 kg/d) than greater than 251 d DIM cows (28.47 kg/d). Feed efficiency tended to be greater (1.42 versus 1.35; P=0.056) for high forage diet but was greater (1.44 versus 1.35; P=0.003) for cows less than or equal to 251 d DIM. Fat and lactose contents were similar by diet while protein tended to be greater (P=0.07) for low forage diet and SNF (8.93% versus 9.06%; P=0.04) was greater for low forage diet.

Graded concentrations of soybean hull pellets (SHP) fed to calves consuming annual ryegrass baleage was evaluated in two experiments. Experiment one evaluated performance and serum glucose of animals fed three treatments. Treatments were: 0.0% (TRT 0), 0.5% (TRT 0.5), 1.0% (TRT 1) body weight (BW) of SHP fed daily while calves had ad libitum access to baleage. Average daily gain and BW increased for calves receiving TRT 1 (P < 0.05). Experiment two evaluated passage rate of treatments using ytterbium chloride as a marker. Passage rate of diet decreased for TRT 1 compared to TRT 0 (10.9 h vs. 16.72 h TRT 1 and TRT 0 respectively, P < 0.05). Calves receiving TRT 0.5 had greater ADG than calves fed TRT 0 (0.54 kg/d and 0.30 kg/d respectively; P < 0.05). Diet passage rate decreased as supplement amount increased (P < 0.05). Serum glucose concentrations were not affected.