Respuesta a la inclusión de ensilado de centeno-triticale para vacas en sistemas de producción de leche en pequeña escala

Background: The conservation of alternative forages as silage for times of scarcity and its use in feeding strategies for cows in small-scale dairy systems are an adaptation option to adverse climatic conditions as reduced rainfall. Small-grain cereals, given their short agronomic cycle, have a lower water demand, and the association of different cereal species may have complementary responses. Objective: Analyze the productive response of dairy cows in small-scale dairy systems to the inclusion of rye-triticale silage as complement to maize silage. Methodology: Evaluating the inclusion of rye-triticale silage (ECT) with maize silage (EMz) in three treatments T0= 100% EMz, T15= 85% EMz/15% ECT, and T30%= 70% EMz/30% ECT. Cows were offered 3.5 kg DM/cow/day of commercial concentrate, whole maize stover, ground stover, and alfalfa hay, with silage treatments to complete estimated dry matter intake. Response variables were milk yield and milk fat and protein content, live weight and body condition score; in a 3x3 Latin Square design replicated three times, with nine cows in 14-day experimental periods. Results: There were no significant (P>0.05) differences for the response variables. Implications: This work proposes the implementation of rye-triticale through the practice of ensilage, an alternative to corn as a forage base. Conclusions: Rye-triticale silage may complement maize silage in the studied proportions in the feeding strategies of cows in small-scale dairy systems with similar results in milk yields and animal performance.