Eating Rate of Lactating Cows Fed Four Physical Forms of the Same Grain Ration

Eleven cows in midlactation were fed grain rations in pelleted (.4 cm diameter), coarse (premix pellet with cracked corn), Ett® (crumbled pellet), or meal forms. Eating rate was measured during morning feedings for 5 consecutive days following a 2-day adjustment. Eating rate was computed by 4-min intervals during the 28-min eating period. Fat-corrected milk production, intake of corn silage, and of alfalfa hay averaged 19.3, 15.1, and 3.4 kg per day for all cows. Differences of ration intake were greatest during the first 8 min. Rate of eating was most rapid for the pelleted ration followed by coarse, Ett®, and meal forms. Total 28-min intake paralleled intake during initial 8 to 12 min. Physical form influenced ration intake initially when eating time was limited. Subsequent intake reduction probably is related to physiological feedback which also may be affected by physical form of the ration.