Ryegrass Hay Versus Whole Crop Silage: Effects On Milk C18:3 n-3 in Malta

Cattle are fed a variety of diets around the globe, primarily depending on the producer and the location. Local whole crop silage and hay are the two major types of feed that farmers in Malta are accustomed to using. Ryegrass, an imported crop that is growing in popularity, is now being used by certain farmers. The goal of this study is to identify the benefits and drawbacks of each type of feed within a certain setting. For this investigation, two farms from which milk samples were obtained were taken into consideration. Farm A cows were fed on whole crop while Farm B relied on ryegrass. Although this was not statistically significant, quantitative analysis revealed that Farm B produced milk with a superior fatty acid profile. Such a study undoubtedly offers new avenues for farmers’ perspectives as well as for producers working with the herding of cattle. This study may be considered to be a pilot study for a more comprehensive investigation into the quality of locally produced fresh fodder and imported fodder that may contribute to the improvement of milk on local farms.