Effects of diets containing alfalfa hay or barley flour mixed alfalfa silage on feeding behavior, productivity, rumen fermentation and blood metabolites in lactating cows

The effects of barley flour on the fermentation parameters of alfalfa silage and on the productivity of dairy cows were investigated. Alfalfa forage was ensiled either with or without barley flour. Barley flour was soaked in water for 24 h before being mixed with alfalfa (12 kg: 100 kg dry matter bases) at ensiling. Eighteen multi-parous cows were assigned to three equal treatment groups using a completely randomized design. Three isocaloric and isonitrogenous total mixed rations containing alfalfa hay, ordinary alfalfa silage or barley flour mixed alfalfa silage were then prepared. The concentrations of ammonia nitrogen, acetic acid and butyric acid were lower in barley flour mixed alfalfa silage compared to that in ordinary alfalfa silage but the concentration of lactic acid was lower in the ordinary alfalfa silage. Feeding behavior, milk yield and composition, ruminal fermentation and blood metabolites were measured. Although dry matter intake and milk production were not affected, the effect of preparation of alfalfa influenced feeding behavior and rumen fermentation parameters. Cows on alfalfa silage diets spent longer ruminating compared to those fed alfalfa hay. The ruminal ammonia nitrogen and blood urea were affected by ensiling (alfalfa hay versus alfalfa silages) while both parameters were lower in cows fed on barley flour mixed alfalfa silage than those fed on ordinary silage. Although similar blood glucose was recorded for cows fed on alfalfa silages, it was higher in cows fed on alfalfa hay. It is concluded that the addition of barely flour when making alfalfa silage may improve both the fermentation process during ensilage and the ruminal ammonia nitrogen utilization with no significant effects on productivity.     

Effects of Forage Species on Milk Protein Production by Lactating Dairy Cows

Eighteen multiparous early lactation Holstein cows were assigned to a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square with 28-d periods to evaluate milk protein production potential when corn silage (CS) or small grain silage (SGS) was added to diets based on alfalfa silage (AS). Treatments consisted of all AS, a mixture of AS and CS, or a mixture of AS and SGS. Treatment diets were isonitrogenous, isofibrous, and contained maximal amounts of carbohydrates to challenge the milk protein production of cows under intensive milk production systems fed these forages. Lactation performance, milk composition, nutrient intakes, and diet digestibilities were measured. There were no significant differences in milk yield of the cows fed diets containing AS, CS, or SGS. Cows fed diets containing all AS-produced milk with a higher fat percentage than did cows fed CS, and cows fed diets containing all AS produced more milk fat and protein than cows fed CS or SGS. There were no significant differences in the percentage of casein, whey protein, or true protein in milk when cows were fed AS, CS, or SGS. There were also no significant differences in the percentage or production of lactose or solids-not-fat when cows were fed diets containing different silages. Similarly, there were no significant differences in DMI or dietary DM digestibility by cows when fed diets containing different silages. Data suggest that adding CS or SGS to AS-based diets does not improve DMI, lactation performance, or milk protein production of lactating cows.     

Effects of Moringa oleifera silage on milk yield,nutrient digestibility and serum biochemical indexes of lactating dairy cows

This study investigated the effects of Moringa oleifera (MO) as a partial substitute of alfalfa hay on milk yield, nutrient apparent digestibility and serum biochemical indexes of dairy cows. MO was harvested at 120 days post‐seeding. Fresh MO was cut, mixed with chopped oat hay (425:575 on a DM basis), ensiled and stored for 60 days. Sixty healthy Holstein dairy cows were allocated to one of three groups: NM (no MO or control), LM (low MO; 25% alfalfa hay and 50% maize silage were replaced by MO silage) or HM (high MO; 50% alfalfa hay and 100% maize silage were replaced by MO silage). The feeding trial lasted 35 days. The LM and HM diets did not affect dry matter (DM) intake, milk yield or milk composition (lactose, milk fat, milk protein and somatic cell count). The apparent digestibility of DM and NDF was lower for HM group than NM group. Additionally, there were no significant differences in serum biochemical indexes between the LM and NM groups. The HM group had lower serum concentrations of total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and higher serum concentrations of urea than the NM group. The partial replacement of alfalfa hay (≤50%) and maize silage with MO silage had no negative effects on milk yield, in vivo nutrient apparent digestibility or serum biochemical indexes of lactating cows.     

Effect of ensiling process of total mixed ration on fermentation profile,nutrient loss and in situ ruminal degradation characteristics of diet

This experiment aimed to determine the changes in chemical composition, fermentation profile, in situ disappearance characteristics, and nutrient losses of ensiled total mixed ration (TMR) containing steam‐flaked corn or brown rice (BR) during storage. TMRs for dairy cows, containing either steam‐flaked corn or BR at 31.9% with 15.2% rye silage, 40.5% alfalfa silage, 5.0% beet pulp and 7.0% soybean meal, were prepared (dry matter (DM) basis). Each TMR was placed in a plastic drum silo, stored at 23°C in an air‐conditioned room and sampled 0, 7, 14, 30, 90 and 210 days after preparation. In both grain sources, the fermentation products increased, while DM and starch storage losses increased and starch content greatly decreased during storage. The rapidly degradable fraction and effective ruminal degradability of DM, crude protein and starch increased during storage. These changes of dietary characteristics were large during 30 days of storage, but small after 90 days of storage. Replacing corn with BR led to increased fermentation products, starch loss and effective ruminal degradability of the ensiled TMR. These results indicate that the ensiling process of TMR changes the dietary characteristics and replacing corn with BR in TMR had a large impact on these dietary characteristics.     

砂仁精油对紫花苜蓿青贮品质的影响

为了研究砂仁精油(Amomum villosum Lour. essential oil,AVEO)对紫花苜蓿(Medicago sativa L.)青贮发酵品质和营养品质的影响,本试验分别在紫花苜蓿中添加了0.5% AVEO和1% AVEO进行青贮,以添加等量蒸馏水的紫花苜蓿为对照组(CK),在15 d和30 d开袋取样,并对青贮的发酵参数和营养成分进行分析。结果表明,AVEO显著降低了紫花苜蓿青贮的pH值(P<0.01),提高了干物质含量、干物质回收率和真蛋白含量(P<0.01)。此外,在青贮第15 d,1% AVEO显著减少了紫花苜蓿青贮中的大肠杆菌的数量(P<0.05);在青贮第30 d,1% AVEO显著提高了紫花苜蓿青贮的乳酸的含量(P<0.05)。因此,添加AVEO对紫花苜蓿进行青贮有利于改善紫花苜蓿青贮的发酵品质和营养品质。     

Digestibility, methane production and nitrogen balance in sheep fed ensiled or fresh mixtures of sorghum–soybean forage

The feeding value of a mixture of sorghum and soybeans plants, either fresh or ensiled, was evaluated with sheep. Sorghum and soybeans were harvested during the Cuban rainy season and ensiled in a ratio of 0.6/0.4 (w/w, as feed) with molasses and a bacterial inoculant. Silos were opened between 162 and 182 d post ensiling during the Cuban dry season and silages were fed to six pelibuey sheep (including two fistulated). Six other sheep (also including two fistulated) were fed sorghum and soybean in the same proportion, but freshly harvested during the dry season. The experiment lasted 21 d (14 d adaptation and 7 d data collection period). Silage quality parameters included pH, ammonia, lactate, and short chain fatty acids (SCFA). Further, both fresh and ensiled diets were offered to study the rumen fermentation characteristics (pH, ammonia, lactate, SCFA, in situ degradability and methane), duodenal flow of microbial protein (assessed through urinary purine derivatives secretion), fecal degradability of nutrients and urinary N excretion. From these measurements ME value and degradable CP supply at the small intestine (DCPSI) were estimated. Silage was of excellent quality. Compared to fresh forage feeding silage increased molar propionate proportion and rumen microbial protein synthesis and reduced methane emission. Fresh forage showed lower rumen degradability and total digestibility. Further, the higher ME concentration (11.2 vs. 10.3 MJ/kg DM) and DCPSI (84.7 vs. 56.1 g/kg DM) of the silage would allow a higher milk production or daily gain as compared with fresh forage available during the Cuban dry season.     

Chemical composition of alfalfa silage with waste date and its feeding effect on ruminal fermentation characteristics and microbial protein synthesis in sheep

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding ensiled alfalfa with waste date on ruminal fermentation characteristics, microbial protein synthesis, protozoa population and blood parameters in sheep. Eight rams were used in a 2 × 2 change over design. Each experimental period consisted of 21 days including 16 days for adaptation and 5 days for sampling. For ensiling, fresh alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) with different levels of waste date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) were mixed together and ensiled in 100‐l containers for 45 days. Chemical composition of silages such as dry matter (DM), crude protein, NH₃‐N, organic matter, NDF, ADF and pH were determined. Then, it was used as 30% (DM basis) in diets. The experimental diets were as follows: (i) control (diet containing alfalfa silage without waste date), (ii) diet containing alfalfa silage with 5 g waste date/95 g DM, (iii) diet containing alfalfa silage with 10 g waste date/90 g DM, and (iv) diet containing alfalfa silage with 15 g waste date/85 g DM. The results of this experiment showed that adding waste date to alfalfa during ensiling, improved silage quality, DM and energy level. Total protozoa population and all of holotrich, cellulolytic and entodinia in rumen fluid were increased linearly by increasing the level of waste date. Nitrogen (N) intake, urinary N excretion and nitrogen retention were affected by dietary treatments. Also, allantoin, uric acid, total purine derivatives, microbial protein synthesis, cholesterol level and blood urea nitrogen were significantly different. In conclusion, direct ensilage of alfalfa can be attained by mixing 15 g waste date/85 g DM and positive associative effects such as increased metabolizable energy (ME) and silage quality occurred.     

Milk Production in High Producing Dairy Cows as Influenced by Corn Silage Quality

Greater milk production is the promised outcome for selecting corn hybrids with various traits that impact forage quality. Our objective was to select a set of hybrids most likely to exhibit differences in forage quality and evaluate milk production of cows fed a high forage diet. Four hybrids were selected for the feeding trial: a leafy hybrid (Mycogen TMF 100®; Mycogen Seeds, Indianapolis, IN), a brown midrib (BMR) hybrid (Mycogen BMR F407®), and two conventional hybrids varying in fiber digestibility (Pioneer 36B08® [Conventional 1 {CONV1}] and Pioneer 35P12® [Conventional 2 {CONV2}]; Pioneer Hybrid International, Inc., Des Moines, IA). Diets were formulated to provide 1.0% BW as forage NDF (approximately 32% NDF) and were balanced to meet or exceed NRC requirements. Fifty-six cows were fed for 56 d. The DMI of cows fed the BMR and the leafy hybrid total mixed rations (TMR) were greater than those of cows fed the other hybrids. Differences in milk production reflected the differences in intake. Cows fed the BMR (41.7 kg/d) and leafy hybrid (42.1 kg/d) TMR were not different from each other in milk production, but had greater (P<0.05) milk production than cows fed CONV1 (39.0 kg/d) or CONV2 (39.2 kg/d) hybrids. Greater intake by cows fed the BMR TMR than by cows fed the CONV1 or CONV2 TMR is likely the result of greater digestibility. Although the leafy hybrid TMR tended to be greater in digestibility than CONV1 or CONV2 TMR, it is likely that a lesser forage-to-concentrate ratio of the leafy hybrid TMR compared with the other TMR also contributed to its greater intake. Ruminal concentrations of propionate were greater in cows fed BMR than in those fed other hybrids, which could also result in greater milk production. Corn silage hybrids selected for improved forage quality can result in greater milk production by cows fed the improved hybrids in high forage diets.     

Effects of inclusion of whole-crop pea silages differing in their tannin content on the performance of dairy cows fed high or low protein concentrates

The effect of including high or low tannin forage peas as an alternative to soyabean meal on performance and N efficiency was investigated using 18 dairy cows in two Latin square design studies. Two varieties of forage pea; Racer (coloured flowers; high tannin) and Croma (white flowers; low tannin), were ensiled 12 weeks post sowing. The in situ degradability characteristics of the pea silages were determined using 4 cannulated sheep. The low tannin forage had a higher soluble N (a) fraction and a greater extent of degradation (a + b), resulting in a greater amount of N being predicted to be released in the rumen than the high tannin forage. In experiment 1, cows were fed one of three treatments in each of 3 periods of 28 d duration in a Latin square design; grass silage/whole-crop wheat (0.50:0.50, DM basis) and 8 kg/d of a high protein concentrate (GWH); grass silage/whole-crop wheat/high tannin forage pea silage (0.25:0.25:0.50 respectively, DM basis) and 8 kg/d of a high protein concentrate (HTH) or 8 kg/d of a low protein supplement (HTL). The inclusion of forage peas increased (P < 0.05) DM intake by 1.2 kg DM/d, but there was no effect of dietary treatment on milk yield (average of 23.0 kg/d), composition or live weight change. The efficiency of use of dietary N (N output in milk/N intake) was highest (P < 0.001) in cows when fed GWH (0.289) and lowest in HTH (0.234). In experiment 2, cows were fed one of three treatments in each of 3 periods of 28 d duration in a Latin square design; grass silage/whole-crop wheat (0.50:0.50, DM basis) and 8 kg/d of a high protein concentrate (GWH); grass silage/whole-crop wheat/low tannin forage pea silage (0.25:0.25:0.5 respectively, DM basis) and 8 kg/d of a high protein concentrate (LTH) or 8 kg/d of a low protein concentrate (LTL). Compared with GWH, the inclusion of forage peas increased (P < 0.05) DM intake by 2.0 kg/d, but there was no effect of dietary treatment on milk yield (average of 24.5 kg/d). Milk fat content was highest (P < 0.05) in cows when fed LTL (45.7 g/kg) and lowest in LTH (41.9 g/kg), but there was no effect (P > 0.05) of treatment on daily fat yield or any other milk component. The efficiency of dietary N use was highest (P < 0.001) in cows when fed GWH (0.300) and lowest in LTH (0.234). It is concluded that either high or low tannin forage pea silages can replace approximately 1.1 kg/d of soyabean meal in the diet of mid-late lactation dairy cows without affecting animal performance, but N efficiency for milk production is decreased.     

Feed intake and production parameters of lactating crossbred cows fed maize-based diets of stover,silage or quality protein silage

Thirty-six Boran × Friesian dairy cows (392 ± 12 kg; mean ± SD) in early parity were used in a randomised complete block design. Cows were blocked by parity into three blocks of 12 animals and offered normal maize (NM) stover (T1), NM silage (T2) or quality protein maize (QPM) silage (T3) basal diets supplemented with a similar concentrate mix. Feed intake, body weight and condition changes and milk yield and composition were assessed. The daily intake of DM, OM, NDF and ADF for cows fed the NM stover-based diet was higher (P < 0.05) than for the cows fed the NM silage and QPM silage-based diets. However, the daily intake of DOM (9.3 kg) and ME (140.8 MJ) for cows on QPM silage-based diet was higher (P < 0.05) than for cows on NM stover-based diet (8.4 kg and 124.2 MJ) and NM silage-based diet (7.9 kg and 119.1 MJ). Body weight of cows was affected (P < 0.05) by the diet, but diet had no effect (P > 0.05) on body condition score, milk yield and milk composition. The digestible organic matter in the NM stover-based diet (724 g/kg DM) was lower (P < 0.05) than that in the NM (770 g/kg DM) and QPM silage-based diet (762 g/kg DM). It was concluded that the performances of the cows on the NM silage and QPM silage diets were similar and were not superior to that of the NM stover-based diet.     

Effects of feeding alkaline hydrogen peroxide-treated wheat straw-based diets on intake, digestion, ruminal fermentation, and production responses by mid-lactation dairy cows.

The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of feeding different levels of alkaline hydrogen peroxide-treated wheat straw (AHP-WS) in the diet on feed intake, nutrient digestion, ruminal fermentation, and production responses in mid-lactation dairy cows. Eight Holstein cows, averaging 147 d postpartum, were used in two replications of a 4 x 4 Latin square design. Complete mixed diets consisted of 70% forage and 30% concentrate (DM basis) with various levels of AHP-WS, alfalfa haylage, and corn silage as forage sources. Treatments contained 0 (control), 20.0, 40.1, or 60.0% AHP-WS in the diet. A quadratic effect (P = .08) of AHP-WS level on DMI was noted, with values of 2.16, 22.3, 20.8, and 18.9 kg/d for the control, 20.0, 40.1, and 60.0% AHP-WS treatments, respectively. Apparent digestibilities of DM, OM, CP, and ADF were not affected (P greater than .10) by replacing haylage and corn silage with increasing amounts of AHP-WS in the diet, but there was a linear increase (P = .03) in NDF digestibility (44% for control vs 59% for the 60.0% AHP-WS diet) and a parallel decrease (P less than .05) in cell content digestibility (82 vs 70% for these two diets). Yields of milk and 4% fat-corrected milk (FCM) were decreased (quadratic; P = .0001) as the level of AHP-WS increased in the diet. The addition of AHP-WS to the diet decreased the milk fat percentage from 3.72 to 3.60% (quadratic; P = .05) and decreased milk protein percentage from 3.27 to 3.13% (linear; P = .0001). Cows fed the higher levels of AHP-WS had linear increases (P = .0001) in ruminal concentrations of total VFA (128.0 mM for control vs 136.0 mM for the 60.0% AHP-WS treatment) and molar proportion of acetate, resulting in a quadratic effect (P less than .0001) on the acetate:propionate ratio. These data indicate that feeding the 40.1 and 60.0% AHP-WS diets lowered digestible DM and OM intakes, which resulted in reduced 4% FCM yield as nutrient intakes were decreased compared with cows fed the 20.0% AHP-WS diet or the control diet containing alfalfa haylage and corn silage. Although substituting AHP-WS for haylage and corn silage increased NDF digestibility and tended to increase digestible NDF intake, milk production was depressed because digestible DMI decreased.     

Milk production and composition in Danish Holstein,Danish Red,and Danish Jersey cows supplemented with saturated or unsaturated fat

The aim of the experiment was to study the response in milk production and composition of substituting barley with either saturated or unsaturated fat in mixed rations (MR) for dairy cows. The experiment included 35 Danish Holstein (DH), 39 Danish Red (DR), and 31 Danish Jersey (DJ) cows from parturition until week 30 of lactation. Cows were ad libitum fed one of the three MR based on maize and grass/clover silage, barley, soybean meal, and dried sugar beet pulp. In the saturated ration (SFA), C16 rich fat substituted barley on dry matter (DM) basis; in the unsaturated ration (UFA), ground rape and linseed (0.74:0.26 ratio) substituted barley on DM basis; and in the control ration (CO), no barley was substituted. Concentrations of crude fat (CF) of total ration DM was 3.03% in CO, and in diets supplemented to intended similar fat levels 5.65% (SFA) and 5.81% (UFA), respectively. Statistical analyses were performed within breed and random regression was used to test for differences between treatment responses throughout lactations.     

Intake, digestibility, and composition of orchardgrass and alfalfa silages treated with cellulase, inoculant, and formic acid fed to lambs

The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of a cellulase (from Trichoderma longibrachiatum) alone or combined with a bacterial inoculant (Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus cerevisiae) or formic acid on composition, intake, and digestibility of orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) silages. Orchardgrass and alfalfa were harvested at the early heading stage and at the early bloom stage of maturity and wilted to approximately 22 and 32% DM, respectively. Forages were then ensiled in 100-L sealed barrels for at least 60 d before they were fed to lambs. Silage treated with cellulase had lower (P < .001) pH and lower (P < .001) acetic acid and NH3 N concentrations than untreated silage of both plant species and a higher (P = .004) lactic acid concentration than the control treatment of alfalfa silage. Fermentation characteristics of cellulase-treated silages, especially of alfalfa, were further enhanced by use of inoculant. Formic acid addition increased (P < .001), reducing sugar concentration of cellulase-treated orchardgrass and alfalfa silage by 90 and 154%, respectively, and decreased (P < .001) NH3 N concentration of cellulase-treated alfalfa silage by 19%. Averaged across plant species, cellulase, combined with inoculant or formic acid, resulted in 8 and 13% greater (P = .03) DMI, respectively, than the control silage. Extensive enzymatic cell-wall degradation during ensiling decreased (P = .003) NDF intake of cellulase-treated orchardgrass silage by 25% and decreased (P = .001) cellulose intake by 23%, when averaged across plant species. Addition of formic acid increased (P = .003) NDF intake of cellulase-treated orchardgrass silage by 19%. Averaged across species, cellulase application decreased (P < .05) silage NDF digestibility by 18%. Greater sugar and lower acetic acid, NH3 N, and NDF concentrations resulted in greater DMI of cellulase-treated silage than of control silage, when cellulase was combined with formic acid or inoculant.     

苜蓿青贮对低质粗饲料条件下奶牛产奶性能的影响

选择1～3胎次泌乳中期的荷斯坦牛10头,配对分为2组:对照组和试验组,两组的混合精料组成相同,对照组粗饲料为豆秸、玉米秸、花生秧和玉米淀粉渣,试验组以10kg苜蓿青贮替代等量粗饲料,进行60d的饲养试验,以研究苜蓿青贮对低质粗饲料条件下奶牛产奶性能的影响。结果表明:(1)添加苜蓿青贮提高了供试奶牛体重(P0.01);(2)试验组各期采食量均高于对照组,且试验60d时差异达到了极显著水平(P0.01);(3)添加苜蓿青贮,提高了供试奶牛的产奶量和乳脂肪含量(P0.01,P0.05)。     

Inoculants for ensiling low-dry matter corn crop: a midlactation cow perspective

In many regions, optimum dry matter (DM) content of corn crop pre-ensilage cannot be ensured for management, agronomical and climatic reasons. Under such conditions, corn crops are harvested at low DM, and are easily exposed to unfavourable fermentation pathways and plant spoilage and wastage. Thus, it is a major question for dairy agriculturists whether certain microbial inoculants application to low-DM corn crop pre-ensilage affects silage quality and cow performance. The objective was to determine effects of adding microbial inoculants to low-DM corn crop at ensiling on silage quality, rumen fermentation and milk production of eight Holstein cows fed the treated silages. Whole corn plant was harvested at milk stage of maturity with 204 g DM/kg of fresh crop, cut to a theoretical particle length of 2 cm, filled in 60 t bunker silos, and treated layer by layer with either no inoculant (control), inoculant 'E' (100 000 cfu/g of fresh crop) containing mainly Lactobacillus plantarum, inoculant 'B' (100 000 cfu) containing mainly Pediococcus pentosanus, Lactobacillus plantarum and Propionibacter freudenreichii or a mixture of inoculants 'E' and 'B' (200,000 cfu). Inoculants were mixed with water and sprayed on thin layers of corn chops layer by layer followed by rolling to ensure proper oxygen outage and even microbial distribution throughout the plants. Eight multiparous lactating Holstein cows at 100 ± 20.5 days in milk were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with four 20-day periods including 14 days of adaptation and 6 days of sampling. Dietary treatments were mixed rations containing corn silages with or without the inoculants. The basal diet contained 32.9% corn silage, 14.3% alfalfa hay and 52.8% concentrate on a DM basis. Inoculants did not affect silage pH or content of DM, CP, lactate, acetate, ash and total volatile fatty acids (VFA). Applying 'B' to corn crop resulted in higher water soluble carbohydrates (47.7 g/kg vs 29.8 g/kg) and lower neutral detergent fibre (494.1 g/kg vs 464.0 g/kg) compared with control. The combined inoculants increased silage butyrate relative to other treatments. The mixture of 'E + B' and 'B' moderately decreased rumen pH, when compared to 'E'. The 'E + B' increased rumen VFA concentrations relative to 'E' and control silage. Dry matter intake increased when corn crop was ensiled with 'E' than with control and 'E + B', but this had little impact on milk production or its energy concentrations. Milk energy yield tended to decrease when 'B' but not 'E' was applied alone, compared with control and 'E + B'. The estimated proportion of the consumed energy secreted in milk increased when inoculants were applied together compared with when they were used separately. Results suggest positive effects of Lactobacillus plantarum containing inoculant on feed intake, some effects on corn silage water soluble carbohydrates, fibre and butyrate contents, rumen pH and VFA concentrations; but no significant effects on total tract nutrient digestibility or productivity of Holstein cows fed diets with 329 g corn silage/kg of diet DM.     

Metabolic and productive response to ruminal protein degradability in early lactation cows fed untreated or xylose‐treated soybean meal‐based diets

Effects of different dietary rumen undegradable (RUP) to degradable (RDP) protein ratios on ruminal nutrient degradation, feed intake, blood metabolites and milk production were determined in early lactation cows. Four multiparous (43 ± 5 days in milk) and four primiparous (40 ± 6 days in milk) tie‐stall‐housed Holstein cows were used in a duplicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with four 21‐day periods. Each period had 14‐day of adaptation and 7‐day of sampling. Diets contained on a dry matter (DM) basis, 23.3% alfalfa hay, 20% corn silage and 56.7% concentrate. Cows were first offered alfalfa hay at 7:00, 15:00 and 23:00 hours, and 30 min after each alfalfa hay delivery were offered a mixture of corn silage and concentrate. Treatments were diets with RUP:RDP ratios of (i) 5.2:11.6 (control), (ii) 6.1:10.6, (iii) 7.1:9.5 and (iv) 8.1:8.5, on a dietary DM% basis. Different RUP:RDP ratios were obtained by partial and total replacement of untreated soybean meal (SBM) with xylose‐treated SBM (XSBM). In situ study using three rumen‐cannulated non‐lactating cows showed that DM and crude protein (CP) of SBM had greater rapidly degradable fractions. The potentially degradable fractions were degraded more slowly in XSBM. Treatment cows produced greater milk, protein, lactose, solids‐non‐fat and total solids than control cows. Increasing RUP:RDP reduced blood urea linearly. Feed costs dropped at RUP:RDP ratios of 6.1:10.6 and 7.1:9.5, but not at 8.1:8.5, compared with the 5.2:11.6 ratio. Intake of DM and CP, rumen pH, blood glucose, albumin and total protein, faecal and urine pH, changes in body weight and body condition score, and milk lactose and solids‐non‐fat percentages did not differ among treatments. Results provide evidence that increasing dietary RUP:RDP ratio from 5.2:11.6 to 7.1:9.5 optimizes nitrogen metabolism and milk production and reduces feed costs in early lactation cows. Reduced blood urea suggests reprodutive benefits.     

Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) silage in dairy cow rations reduces ruminal biohydrogenation and increases transfer efficiencies of unsaturated fatty acids from feed to milk

The effects of replacing grass silage by sainfoin silage in a total mixed ration (TMR) based diet on fatty acid (FA) reticular inflow and milk FA profile of dairy cows was investigated. The experiment followed a crossover design with 2 dietary treatments. The control diet consisted of grass silage, corn silage, concentrate and linseed. In the sainfoin diet, half of the grass silage was replaced by a sainfoin silage. Six rumen cannulated lactating multiparous dairy cows with a metabolic body weight of 132.5 ± 3.6 kg BW^0.75, 214 ± 72 d in milk and an average milk production of 23.1 ± 2.8 kg/d were used in the experiment. Cows were paired based on parity and milk production. Within pairs, cows were randomly assigned to either the control diet or the sainfoin diet for 2 experimental periods (29 d per period). In each period, the first 21 d, cows were housed individually in tie-stalls for adaptation, then next 4 d cows were housed individually in climate-controlled respiration chambers to measure CH₄. During the last 4 d, cows were housed individually in tie stalls to measure milk FA profile and determine FA reticular inflow using the reticular sampling technique with Cr-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt dihydrate (EDTA) and Yb-acetate used as digesta flow markers. Although the dietary C18:3n-3 intake was lower (P = 0.025) in the sainfoin diet group, the mono-unsaturated FA reticular inflow was greater (P = 0.042) in cows fed the sainfoin diet. The reticular inflow of trans-9, trans-12-C18:2 and cis-12, trans-10 C18:2 was greater (P ≤ 0.024) in the sainfoin diet group. The cows fed sainfoin diet had a lower (P ≤ 0.038) apparent ruminal biohydrogenation of cis-9-C18:1 and C18:3n-3, compared to the cows fed the control diet. The sainfoin diet group had greater (P ≤ 0.018) C18:3n-3 and cis-9, cis-12-C18:2 proportions in the milk FA profile compared to the control diet group. Transfer efficiencies from feed to milk of C18:2, C18:3n-3 and unsaturated FA were greater (P ≤ 0.0179) for the sainfoin diet. Based on the results, it could be concluded that replacing grass silage by sainfoin silage in dairy cow rations reduces ruminal C18:3n-3 biohydrogenation and improves milk FA profile.     

Lasalocid Supplementation of Dairy Cow Diets in Early Lactation

A 36-cow study was conducted to evaluate the effects of lasalocid on feed intake, milk production and composition, and various blood metabolites in early lactation. Multiparous Holstein cows were assigned at parturition to a total mixed diet containing 33% corn silage, 17% chopped alfalfa hay, and 50% concentrate mix on a DM basis for 10 wk. An additional 2.3 kg of alfalfa hay was fed during the first 7 d in milk (DIM). Diets were supplemented with 0, 180, or 360 mg/d of lasalocid in a completely randomized design. Covariant-adjusted mean (the covariate was mature equivalent milk production from the previous lactation) DMI; milk and fat-corrected milk (FCM) production; percentages of milk fat, protein, and solids-not-fat; milk somatic cell count; BW; body condition score; and concentrations of glucose, β-hydroxybutyrate, and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) in blood were unaffected by supplementation with lasalocid. A dose of 360 mg/d of lasalocid may not be enough to significantly affect high-producing cows consuming >20 kg/d of DM.     

日粮中添加酵母或酵母培养物对奶牛生产性能的影响

试验旨在研究日粮中添加酵母或酵母代谢物产品对奶牛生产性能的影响。选择70 头中国荷斯坦泌乳奶牛,按产奶量、泌乳天数和胎次等情况配对分成7组,每组10 头,其中试验1组为对照组,其余6组为试验组。对照组饲喂基础日粮,该日粮主要包含20 kg青贮、3 kg干草、2 kg苜蓿干草和9 kg泌乳期奶牛精料补充料。试验组在饲喂基础日粮的基础上再分别添加60 g益生素酵母1、50 g益生素酵母2、10 g益生素酵母3、10 g益生素酵母4、15 g益生素酵母5和15 g益生素酵母6。试验期为50 d,其中预试期10 d,正试期40 d。结果表明,不同的酵母或酵母代谢物产品对奶牛产奶量和奶成分有不同程度的影响,添加益生素酵母2试验组奶牛的产奶量与对照组相比增加显著( P<0.05)。不同的酵母及酵母代谢物产品对牛乳成分也有不同程度的影响,益生素酵母1、益生素酵母2和益生素酵母3显著提高了牛奶中乳脂含量(P<0.05);益生素酵母4显著提高了牛奶中蛋白含量(P<0.05);不同酵母或酵母代谢物产品对牛奶中干物质含量无显著影响;在体细胞数方面,添加益生素酵母2、益生素酵母3和益生素酵母4的试验组牛奶中体细胞数有一定的降低,但差异不显著(P>0.05)。因此,本试验证明饲料中添加酵母及酵母代谢物能提高奶牛的生产性能。     

Milk Production of Dairy Cows Fed Total Mixed Rations After a Grazing Period

Twenty multiparous Holstein cows were used in a completely randomized design with repeated measures to study milk production of cows supplemented or not supplemented with concentrate when they were switched to a total mixed ration (TMR) after grazing. In one group, cows grazed an or-chardgrass/bromegrass pasture and were assigned to one of two treatments: 1) unsupplemented (U; 1 kg/d mineral mix) or 2) concentrate supplemented (CS; 1 kg corn-based concentrate/4 kg milk). Total DMI was greater (26.5 vs 22.0 kg/d), but pasture DMI was less (16.8 vs 21.2 kg/ d), for CS cows because of the substitution rate of 0.49 kg pasture/kg concentrate. Overall, CS cows had greater 3.5% fat-corrected milk (FCM) (32.9 vs 26.5 kg/d), but less milk urea N (MUN; 9.6 vs 14.7 mg/dL) and milk fat (3.13% vs 3.88%), than U cows. Milk response to supplementation averaged 1.08 kg milk/kg concentrate. Cows assigned to both treatments lost BW (-17 kg/d) and body condition score (BCS) (-0.33). At the end of the 6-wk grazing period, all cows were switched to a TMR fed in confinement for 11 wk. Overall, DMI (24.3 kg/d), 3.5% FCM (30.6 kg/d), milk fat (3.26%), milk true protein (2.87%), and MUN (12.7 mg/dL) did not differ between treatments. Cows gained BW (53 kg) and BCS (0.33). A significant treatment × time interaction was found for milk yield. During the first day of TMR feeding, milk yield was greater (30.9 vs 19.3 kg/d) for CS cows. After 10 d on a TMR, milk yields between cows that had previously been on the U or CS treatments did not differ (35.5 kg/d). When cows were switched from only pasture to a TMR, milk yield was comparable with that of cows fed CS after 10 d. Lack of carry-over effects of previous treatments and increased production suggest improvement in nutrition and the potential for greater animal well-being for cows housed in a tiestall barn and fed a nutritionally complete TMR.