Comparison of Sulla-hay and Sulla-silage in the lactating ewes and their effects on milk and cheese characteristics

Abstract Two methods of storage of Sulla- and oat-grass (silage or hay) were compared. Forty-six homogeneous lactating ewes, housed indoors, were divided into two groups and after 35 days of diet adjustment, were fed ad libitum twice a day, either Sulla- ( Hedysarum coronarium L.) and oat-hay (control group) or Sulla- and oat-silage in partial substitution of hay (silage group). Both groups were fed with 0.5 kg of commercial concentrate. The dietary treatment started 60 days post-lambing and lasted for 58 days. Every day, the feeding intake for each group was recorded. Individual milk yield was measured weekly and at the same time, milk samples were collected and analysed by Milko-Scan 605.…