The effect of inclusion rate of Eragrostis curvula hay and sunflower husks on milk production and milk composition of first-calf Friesland cows. The effect of different inclusion rates of Eragrostis curvula in complete diets on the milk production and milk composition of first lactation cows was investigated. Twelve first-calf cows were subjected to a trial having an extra period

rotating changeover design. Three complete diets with varying roughage (R) to concentrate (C) ratios were fed, viz. 40R:60C, 5OR:50C and 6OR:40C. A further 12 first-calf cows were used in a similar study to determine if the replacement of 10% E. curvula hay by sunflower husks has any influence on milk production and milk composition. The E. curvula was hammermilled through an 18 mm sieve and all diets were pelleted. No change in milk production and milk composition was found by varying the inclusion rate of roughage. Replacement of 10% E. curvula hay by sunflower husks lowered the metabolizable energy (ME) content of the diets with the result that the ME intake and milk production were slightly reduced.