Numerous factors such as the digestibility value, fermentation characteristics and chop length of silage have all been shown to increase the intake and performance of dairy cows.

Although the effect of silage preference has been examined with young stock and dry cows there has only been a limited number of studies involving lactating cows.

The aim of the present trial was to determine the effect on intake and performance of lactating dairy cows offered either grass silage alone, a mixture of grass and maize silages blended in a ratio of 1:2 or a free choice of grass and maize silages.

Thirty-three British Friesians in weeks 17-24 of lactation were used in the study. All animals received 6 kg/d of a concentrate supplement containing 190 g/kg DM of crude protein and 12.8 MJ ME/kg CM and allowed ad libitum access to the silages.