Effect of partly replacing cottonseed cake with Mucuna spp. (var. Ghana) hay on feed intake and digestibility, milk yield and milk composition of zebu cows

The effect of partly replacing cottonseed cake with Mucuna hay (Mucuna spp. var. Ghana) on feed intake, digestibility and milk production of dairy cows was studied using six Zebu cows randomly assigned to three dietary treatments in a replicated Latin square design. All cows were fed hay from natural pastures ad libitum and 1.1 kg molasses as a basal diet, which was supplemented with: (1) 2 kg cottonseed cake (control diet), (2) 1.5 kg cottonseed cake and 1.2 kg Mucuna hay (low Mucuna, LM), and (3) 1.0 kg cottonseed cake and 3.3 kg Mucuna hay (high Mucuna, HM). Dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) intake were similar for all the diets. The addition of Mucuna significantly increased DM and organic matter digestibility, whereas CP, acid detergent fibre and neutral detergent fibre digestibility were similar among the diets. The treatments had no effect on daily milk yield (3.38, 3.43 and 3.38 kg milk) or milk composition (41.1, 43.7 and 42.7 g fat/kg milk; 35.1, 36.4 and 35.9 g protein/kg milk; and 46.1, 45.8 and 45.3 g lactose/kg milk, respectively, for cows fed control, LM and HM diets). The treatments had no significant effect on live weight changes. The results showed that replacing 50% of the cottonseed cake with Mucuna hay had no negative effects on feed intake and digestibility, milk yield or milk composition.     

The Rumen Degradation Characteristics of Whole Sugarcane for Dairy Cows and Its Application in Substituting Alfalfa,Oat Hay and Concentrate in Dairy Cows' Diets

The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the rumen degradation characteristics of whole sugarcane of dairy cows and its effects of using it replacing alfalfa, oat hay and concentrates in dairy cows' diet on the rumen fermentation, nutrient apparent digestibility, blood biochemical indexes and production performance of dairy cows, in order to open up new ways to replace the increasing prices feedstuff such as alfalfa, oat hay and concentrate in dairy cows' diets with whole sugarcane. In experiment one, the in-situ test, namely the rumen nylon bag test was used to investigate the rumen degradation characteristics of various nutrients of whole sugarcane, leymus chinensis and alfalfa. Experiment two was in vivo test,repeat 3 ⅹ 3 Latin square design was conducted and Holstein dairy cows with similar body weight, parities and milk yield and permanent rumen fistula were chosen to investigate the effect of using whole sugarcane replacing 25% or 50% of imported alfalfa from the Unites States in dairy cows' diet on nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation characteristics and blood biochemical indexes of dairy cows. In experiment three, 60 Holstein dairy cows with similar parity, milk yield and milk in lactation were selected to perform production test, which aimed to explore the effects of using whole sugarcane replacing 30% alfalfa hay, 50% oat hay or 10% concentrate on the production performance, blood biochemical indexes of dairy cows and the economic benefits of dairy farms. The results showed that：1) The effective degradation rates of dry matter (DM) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) of whole sugarcane were significantly higher than leymus chinensis (P<0.05), and the effective degradation rates of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and organic matter (OM) were significantly higher than leymus chinensis and alfalfa (P<0.05). 2) There was no significant effect on rumen pH, NH₃-N (except 25% group at the 4 h time point) and volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations of dairy cows when using 25% and 50% whole sugarcane to replace imported alfalfa from the Unites States in the diet. There was also no significant effect on DMI and digestibility of DM, CP, OM and ADF, while the digestibility of NDF in the 50% group was significantly increased (P<0.05). In 50% group, the content of serum urea nitrogen in 2 and 8 h was significantly lower than 25% group and control group (P<0.05) and there was no significant difference in the blood content of β-hydroxybutyric acid, rumen VFA and total VFA in each group at different time points. 3) After using 50%, 30% and 10% of whole sugarcane to replace oat hay, alfalfa hay and concentrate, respectively, no significant difference was detected in blood glucose, urea nitrogen, β-hydroxybutyric acid, the esterification of fatty acid (NEFA), and milk yield. Besides, combined with milk yield and feed cost, the economic benefits of each cow in the substitution groups increased by 3.28, 7.48 and 1.62 yuan per day. respectively, compared with control group. It can be seen that the whole sugarcane is a kind of high-quality roughage that can be used by dairy cows with high digestibility, and using it to replace 25% or 50% of imported alfalfa from the Unites States in dairy cows' diet does not affect the rumen fermentation characteristics and rumen apparent digestibility of nutrients of dairy cows. And using whole sugarcane replacing 30% alfalfa hay, 50% oat hay or 10% concentrate will not affect the blood biochemical indicators and production performance of dairy cows, and will also increase the economic benefits of the dairy farm.     

全株甘蔗的奶牛瘤胃降解特性及其替代奶牛饲粮苜蓿、燕麦草及精料的应用研究

本试验旨在探究全株甘蔗的奶牛瘤胃降解特性及其替代奶牛饲粮中苜蓿、燕麦草及精料对奶牛瘤胃发酵、营养物质表观消化率、血液生化指标及生产性能的影响,为其替代奶牛饲粮中价格日益攀升的苜蓿和精饲料,并用作奶牛粗饲料资源开辟新途径。试验一采用半体内试验即瘤胃尼龙袋技术,探究了全株甘蔗、国产羊草与国产苜蓿各营养成分的瘤胃降解特性;试验二采用重复3×3拉丁方试验设计,选择体重、胎次、泌乳天数和产奶量相近并装有永久瘤胃瘘管的荷斯坦奶牛进行消化试验,探究全株甘蔗替代饲粮25%或50%的美国进口苜蓿对奶牛营养物质消化率、瘤胃发酵特性和血液生化指标的影响;试验三选取60头胎次、产奶量和泌乳天数相近的荷斯坦奶牛进行生产试验,探究了全株甘蔗分别替代饲粮30%苜蓿干草、50%燕麦草或10%精料对奶牛生产性能、血液生化指标和牧场经济效益的影响。结果发现：1）全株甘蔗干物质（DM）和酸性洗涤纤维（ADF）的有效降解率显著高于国产羊草（P<0.05）,中性洗涤纤维（NDF）和有机物（OM）的有效降解率显著高于国产羊草和国产苜蓿（P<0.05）。2）用全株甘蔗替代饲粮25%或50%美国进口苜蓿对奶牛瘤胃pH、氨态氮（NH₃-N）（除25%组4 h外）和挥发性脂肪酸（VFA）含量无显著影响;对奶牛干物质采食量（DMI）及饲粮DM、粗蛋白质（CP）、OM和ADF消化率无显著影响,而全株甘蔗替代饲粮50%美国进口苜蓿组的NDF消化率显著升高（P<0.05）;全株甘蔗替代饲粮中50%美国进口苜蓿组2和8 h血清尿素氮含量显著低于25%组和对照组（P<0.05）,且各处理组不同时间点血液β-羟丁酸含量、瘤胃各VFA和总VFA含量均无显著差异。3）用全株甘蔗替代高产奶牛饲粮中50%燕麦草、30%苜蓿干草或10%精料对奶牛血液中的葡萄糖、尿素氮、β-羟丁酸和非酯化脂肪酸（NEFA）等含量及产奶量均无显著影响,且综合产奶量和饲料成本两方面的因素,各替代组分别比对照组每头奶牛的经济效益增加3.28、7.48和1.62元·d^-1。由此可知,全株甘蔗是一种可供奶牛食用的消化率较高的优质粗饲料,且用其替代饲粮中的25%或50%美国进口苜蓿不影响奶牛的瘤胃发酵特性和营养物质表观消化率;用其替代30%苜蓿干草、50%燕麦草或10%精料不会影响奶牛的血液生化指标及生产性能,还会提高牧场的经济效益。     

苜蓿青贮料替代苜蓿青干草对奶牛生产性能及乳品质的影响

试验旨在探讨苜蓿青贮料替代不同比例苜蓿青干草对奶牛生产性能、乳品质、营养物质表观消化率、血液生化指标及经济效益的影响。选取体重、产奶量、胎次相近的健康泌乳中期中高产中国荷斯坦奶牛15头,随机分为3组,每组5个重复,每个重复1头牛。对照组饲喂4.0 kg苜蓿青干草,试验A、B组分别用4.4,8.8 kg苜蓿青贮料代替2.0和4.0 kg等干物质的苜蓿青干草,正试期64 d。结果表明,1)各组间干物质采食量差异不显著(P>0.05),B组产奶量显著低于对照组(P<0.05),A组与对照组、B组间差异不显著(P>0.05); 2)用50%,100%的苜蓿青贮料替代等干物质的苜蓿青干草,其乳蛋白、乳脂率、乳糖均有所改善,但只有B组的乳脂率显著高于对照组(P<0.05),其余指标各组间差异均不显著(P>0.05);3)A、B组与对照组的中性洗涤纤维表观消化率、钙表观消化率无显著性差异(P>0.05),A、B组间粗蛋白和磷表观消化率差异不显著(P>0.05),但是粗蛋白表观消化率均显著低于对照组、磷表观消化率均显著高于对照组(P<0.05);4)苜蓿青贮料替代苜蓿青干草其血清总蛋白、白蛋白、血尿素氮、血糖、二氧化碳结合力等指标没有显著性改变(P>0.05);5)试验A、B组经济效益均有所增加,其中A组的净增收益最高,为0.61元/(头·d)。综上,用4.4 kg苜蓿青贮料代替2.0 kg苜蓿青干草对中高产奶牛是适宜的,能提高其生产性能,改善乳品质,增加收益。     

饲粮中添加籽粒苋对泌乳奶牛瘤胃发酵、血液指标和生产性能的影响

本试验旨在研究饲粮中添加籽粒苋青贮和干草对泌乳奶牛瘤胃发酵、营养物质表观消化率、血液指标和生产性能的影响。选取产奶量、胎次和泌乳天数等相近的健康荷斯坦奶牛45头,随机分成3组,每组15头牛。对照组粗饲料包括全株玉米青贮、羊草和苜蓿干草,试验Ⅰ组粗饲料使用籽粒苋青贮替代30%玉米青贮,试验Ⅱ组粗饲料使用籽粒苋干草替代30%苜蓿干草。3组饲粮营养水平接近。预试期10 d,正试期60 d。结果表明:1)与对照组相比,试验Ⅰ组能显著提高粗蛋白质(CP)表观消化率、瘤胃液氨态氮(NH_3-N)和血液总氨基酸(T-AA)的含量(P0.05),对其他营养物质表观消化率、血液指标和乳成分影响不显著(P0.05)。2)与对照组相比,试验Ⅱ组的血液T-AA含量显著高于对照组(P0.05),对其他血液指标、瘤胃发酵指标、营养物质表观消化率和乳成分均无显著影响(P0.05)。综上所述,饲粮中添加适量的籽粒苋不会影响奶牛的生产性能,同时会提高牧场经济效益。     

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.     

6种饲料原料瘤胃降解特性和瘤胃非降解蛋白质的小肠消化率

本试验旨在研究新疆地区玉米青贮、棉籽壳、苜蓿草粉、苜蓿干草、葡萄籽粕、蕃茄酱渣6种奶牛饲料原料的瘤胃降解特性和瘤胃非降解蛋白质(RUP)的小肠消化率(Idg)。选用3头装有永久性瘤胃瘘管的泌乳荷斯坦奶牛,采用尼龙袋法和改进三步体外法测定饲料原料的干物质(DM)、粗蛋白质(CP)、中性洗涤纤维(NDF)和酸性洗涤纤维(ADF)的瘤胃降解特性以及RUP的Idg和小肠可消化粗蛋白质(IDCP)含量。结果表明:1)苜蓿草粉和玉米青贮的DM有效降解率最高,显著高于次之的苜蓿干草、番茄酱渣(P0.05),葡萄籽粕、棉籽壳最低,显著低于其他原料(P0.05);CP有效降解率为番茄酱渣苜蓿草粉玉米青贮苜蓿干草棉籽壳葡萄籽粕,各原料间差异显著(P0.05);NDF有效降解率为玉米青贮苜蓿草粉棉籽壳苜蓿干草番茄酱渣葡萄籽粕,各组饲料原料间差异显著(P0.05);ADF有效降解率为玉米青贮棉籽壳苜蓿干草番茄酱渣苜蓿草粉葡萄籽粕,各组饲料原料间差异显著(P0.05)。2)苜蓿草粉RUP的Idg和IDCP含量最高,Idg显著高于依次降低的苜蓿干草、玉米青贮、番茄酱渣、葡萄籽粕、棉籽壳(P0.05),IDCP含量与苜蓿干草差异不显著(P0.05),显著高于依次降低的玉米青贮、番茄酱渣、葡萄籽粕、棉籽壳(P0.05)。综上所述,不同饲料原料具有不同的瘤胃降解特性,进入小肠IDCP的含量也不同。玉米青贮的DM、NDF和ADF在瘤胃的有效降解率较高,苜蓿草粉RUP的Idg较高,苜蓿草粉和苜蓿干草的IDCP含量较高。     

The effect of maize silage type on the performances and methane emission of dairy cattle

To examine whether type of maize silage is important for milk production performances, maize silage LG30224 (LG) was compared with Falkone (FA), the latter having a 4.0% points lower rumen NDF digestibility and 19 g/kg dry matter (DM) more starch. To bridge the lower energy content of FA, a third treatment was involved by adding maize meal (MM) in a ratio of 92/8 on DM (FA+MM). Maize and grass silage were fed ad libitum in a ratio of 65/35 on DM basis. Concentrates were supplemented individually to meet energy and protein requirements. The experiment was set up as a Latin square with three groups of nine Holstein cows during three periods of 3 weeks. In the last 2 weeks of each period, DM intake (DMI) and milk performances were measured. Each group included one cannulated cow to study effects on rumen fermentation. During the last 4 days of each period, two cows from each group were placed in gas exchange chambers to measure nutrient digestibility and methane production. Total DMI was higher (p < 0.05) for FA+MM (20.8 kg/day) than for FA (20.3 kg/day), while DMI for LG was intermediate (20.6 kg/day). Treatment did not affect milk production nor composition, whereas fat–protein‐corrected milk was higher for LG (30.5 kg/day) and FA+MM (30.3 kg/day) than for FA (29.9 kg/day). The ration did not affect pH nor volatile fatty acid composition in the rumen. Further, total tract digestibility of OM, crude protein, NDF and starch did not differ among treatments. The ration with LG gave higher methane production per day and per kg NDF intake than both rations with FA, but the difference was not significant when expressed per kg DMI or FPCM. Thus, maize silage type is of little importance for milk production if energy and physical structure requirements are met.     

苎麻青贮替代苜蓿干草对奶牛生产性能、乳成分及血清指标的影响

本试验旨在研究苎麻青贮替代饲粮中苜蓿干草对奶牛生产性能、乳成分及血清指标的影响。选用24头体重、胎次、产奶量接近的健康荷斯坦奶牛,随机分为4组,每组6头,各组以苎麻青贮分别等量替代基础饲粮中0(对照组)、33%(试验1组)、67%(试验2组)和100%的苜蓿干草(试验3组)。预试期14 d,正试期60 d。结果表明:1)苎麻青贮中的粗蛋白质、粗脂肪、粗纤维以及粗灰分的含量均高于苜蓿干草。2)苎麻青贮替代苜蓿干草对奶牛干物质采食量、产奶量及乳成分含量均无显著影响(P0.05)。3)苎麻青贮替代苜蓿干草对血清中总蛋白、白蛋白、葡萄糖、甘油三酯、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶含量及谷草转氨酶、谷丙转氨酶活性均无显著影响(P0.05)。4)试验3组的血清尿素氮含量显著高于试验1组和试验2组(P0.05),与对照组之间无显著差异(P0.05)。5)对照组和试验1组血清总胆固醇含量显著高于试验2组(P0.05),试验2组与试验3组之间无显著差异(P0.05)。6)随着苎麻青贮添加比例的增加,血清总抗氧化能力和超氧化物歧化酶含量逐渐升高,试验3组显著高于对照组(P0.05)。综合得出,苎麻青贮可以替代奶牛饲粮中苜蓿干草,而不影响生产性能、乳成分及血清指标,适宜的替代比例为33%~67%。     

热应激条件下粗饲料组合对奶牛氮素利用的影响

为了研究粗饲料组合对热应激奶牛氮素利用的影响,试验选取20头胎次和泌乳天数相似的健康荷斯坦奶牛,随机分成2组,每组10头,分别饲喂2种粗饲料组合饲粮:玉米青贮+苜蓿(0.92∶1.00,AF组)和玉米秸秆(CS组)。2组饲粮精料相同,精粗比均为63.7∶36.3。预试期1周,正试期8周。结果表明:1)与CS组相比,AF组奶牛产奶量及能量校正乳、4%脂肪校正乳、乳蛋白和乳糖产量显著或极显著升高(P0.01或P0.05)。2)奶牛对AF组饲粮粗蛋白质表观消化率极显著高于CS组(P0.01)。3)与CS组相比,AF组瘤胃微生物蛋白产量显著升高(P0.05),而尿液和血液尿素氮浓度极显著降低(P0.01)。4)与CS组相比,AF组氮摄入量和乳中氮产量极显著升高(P0.01),但氮转化效率显著降低(P0.05)。结果提示,与玉米秸秆相比,玉米青贮+苜蓿的组合能提高饲粮粗蛋白质水平,增加热应激奶牛粗蛋白质表观消化率,促进瘤胃微生物蛋白和乳蛋白的合成,但氮的转化效率有待提高。     

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.     

Effects of supplementation level and particle size of alfalfa hay on growth characteristics and rumen development in dairy calves

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of particle size (PS) of alfalfa hay on growth characteristics and rumen development in dairy calves at two levels of alfalfa supplementation. Fifty newborn dairy calves (42.7 ± 2.2 kg BW) were used in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with the factors supplementation level (low, 8%; or high, 16% on DM basis) and PS (medium, 2.92 mm; or long, 5.04 mm as geometrical means) of alfalfa hay. In addition, a control group without alfalfa hay was used. Hence, treatments were: control (C); low level with medium PS (LM); low level with long PS (LL); high level with medium PS (HM) or high level with long PS (HL). Growth performance of alfalfa‐fed calves did not differ from control calves, but alfalfa supplementation decreased corneum thickness of the rumen wall. In alfalfa‐fed calves, post‐weaning starter intake was greater for LL calves than for LM calves. During the entire rearing period, starter intake was 26–32% higher for LL and HM calves than for LM calves. Pre‐weaning average daily gain was higher for LL and HM calves than for HL calves, but this effect was not persistent over the entire rearing period. Final body weight decreased from 86 to 79 kg when the level of long PS alfalfa hay increased from 8 to 16%, but increased from 78 to 87 kg when the level of medium PS alfalfa increased from 8 to 16%. Regardless of PS and level, morphometric characteristics of rumen wall were generally similar among alfalfa feeding groups, but corneum thickness decreased from 8.7 to 6.1 μm with greater PS at the low level. These results indicate that adequate, but not excessive, physical stimulation is required for appropriate rumen development and growth performance of dairy calves.     

常规与非常规粗饲料在奶牛瘤胃中的降解特性研究

旨在探讨非常规粗饲料(玉米芯、毛豆荚壳)与奶牛常用粗饲料(苜蓿干草、玉米青贮)在奶牛瘤胃中的降解规律,试验选用3只装有永久性瘤胃瘘管的荷斯坦奶牛,采用尼龙袋法测定4种粗饲料的干物质(DM)、粗蛋白(CP)、中性洗涤纤维(NDF)和酸性洗涤纤维(ADF)的瘤胃降解规律。结果表明:1)苜蓿干草和毛豆荚壳的CP含量分别为17.55%和11.10%,且苜蓿干草显著高于毛豆荚壳(P<0.05);玉米芯和玉米青贮的CP含量分别为2.97%和8.41%,且玉米芯显著低于玉米青贮(P<0.05);玉米芯的NDF和ADF含量显著高于其他3种粗饲料(P<0.05),达到79.98%和43.35%。2)苜蓿干草的DM有效降解率最高(P<0.05),由高到低依次为苜蓿干草、毛豆荚壳、玉米青贮和玉米芯。毛豆荚壳的CP有效降解率显著高于其他3种粗饲料(P<0.05),由高到低依次为毛豆荚壳、苜蓿干草、玉米青贮和玉米芯。苜蓿干草的NDF有效降解率显著高于毛豆荚壳(P<0.05),玉米青贮和毛豆荚壳无显著差异(P>0.05);玉米芯的ADF有效降解率最高(P<0.05),苜蓿干草、玉米青贮和毛豆荚壳无显著差异(P>0.05)。综上所述,玉米芯和毛豆荚壳可作为非常规粗饲料资源加以开发利用。     

Effect of dietary inclusion of date seed (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Phoenix dactylifera</Emphasis> L.) on intake,digestibility, milk production,and milk fatty acid profile of Holstein dairy cows

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the influence of ground date seed (GDS) on intake, digestibility, and milk yield and milk fatty acid (FA) composition of lactating Holstein cows. The experimental design was a 4?×?4 replicated Latin square with eight lactating dairy cows with an average milk production of 35.5?±?1.5 kg and 75?±?5 days in milk (DIM). Dairy cows were fed one of the four treatments contained 0, 2, 4, and 6% of diet dry matter (DM) GDS in replacement of wheat bran. All diets contained the same amount of forages (alfalfa hay and corn silage). Dietary treatments had no effect on DM intake (DMI), total tract apparent digestibility, milk yield, and milk composition. Increasing GDS linearly decreased concentration of C13:0 and increased cis-9 C14:1 and trans-11 C18:1 (vaccenic acid) (P?<?0.05). A linear tendency for more C16:1 content in milk fat was observed with increasing GDS (P?=?0.06). Feeding GDS resulted in a linear decrease (P?<?0.01) in saturated FA (SFA) but increased milk fat monounsaturated FA (MUFA) and trans FA (TFA) (P?<?0.05). Therefore, low levels of GDS (up to 6%) in the diet of Holstein dairy cows can beneficially modify milk FA composition without any adverse effects on intake, digestibility, and milk yield.     

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.     

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.     

全株小黑麦干草对育成牛营养物质表观消化率、血清生化指标及瘤胃发酵的影响

【目的】试验旨在研究全株小黑麦干草对育成牛营养物质表观消化率、血清生化指标及瘤胃发酵的影响,为小黑麦干草在畜牧业中的合理使用提供数据参考。【方法】在相同的饲养条件下,选取10月龄、平均体重为（325.0±20.0） kg、健康、生理状态良好的荷斯坦育成牛30头,随机分为3组：对照组、Ⅰ、Ⅱ组,每组10头牛,每头为一个重复。对照组饲喂基础饲粮（苜蓿干草：小麦秸秆＝1：1）,Ⅰ、Ⅱ组分别以全株小黑麦干草替代饲粮中50％（苜蓿干草：小麦秸秆：全株小黑麦干草＝0.5：0.5：1）和100％干草（100%全株小黑麦干草）,试验预饲期7 d,正试期66天。于正试期前后对每头牛称重,并每天记录采食量,计算平均日增重和料重比;正试期最后4 d采集粪便和饲粮样品,测定各营养物质表观消化率;正试期第66天晨饲前采集血液,晨饲后2 h采集瘤胃液,测定血清生化和瘤胃发酵指标。【结果】①各组育成牛体重、日增重均差异不显著（P>0.05）;Ⅱ组料重比显著高于对照组（P<0.05）。②Ⅰ组育成牛干物质（DM）、有机物（OM）和粗蛋白质（CP）表观消化率与对照组相比差异不显著（P>0.05）,但极显著高于Ⅱ组（P<0.01）;Ⅰ组牛中性洗涤纤维（NDF）和酸性洗涤纤维（ADF）表观消化率显著高于Ⅱ组（P<0.05）,且极显著高于对照组（P<0.01）。③育成牛血清中葡萄糖（GLU）、甘油三酯（TG）、总胆固醇（TC）、总蛋白（TP）、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇（HDL-C）、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇（LDL-C）含量在各组间均无显著差异（P>0.05）;Ⅱ组牛血清白蛋白（ALB）浓度极显著高于对照组和Ⅰ组（P<0.01）;Ⅰ组牛血清尿素氮（UN）含量显著低于对照组（P<0.05）,但与Ⅱ组差异不显著（P>0.05）。④育成牛瘤胃pH、总挥发性脂肪酸（TVFA）、乙酸、丙酸、丁酸含量及乙酸/丙酸（A/P）在各组间均无显著差异（P>0.05）;Ⅱ组牛瘤胃NH₃-N浓度显著高于Ⅰ组（P<0.05）,与对照组间无显著差异（P>0.05）;Ⅱ组牛瘤胃微生物蛋白（MCP）含量显著低于Ⅰ组（P<0.05）。【结论】将育成牛粗饲料中50％的干草替换为全株小黑麦干草,对其血清生化指标及瘤胃发酵均具有一定的改善作用,且显著提高了饲粮中营养物质表观消化率。     

Substitution of fresh forage ramie for alfalfa hay in diets affects production performance,milk composition,and serum parameters of dairy cows

We hypothesized that ramie, Boehmeria nivea (a nettle native to Asia), can be used as a high-quality forage to replace alfalfa hay in diets of dairy cows. Accordingly, we aimed to examine the effects of substituting fresh forage ramie for alfalfa (Medicago sativa) hay on production performance, milk composition, and serum parameters of dairy cows. Thirty-two Holstein cows (body weight (BW)?=?590?±?50.6 kg) were randomly divided into four groups of eight cows. The experimental period lasted 10 weeks. The dietary treatments consisted of four proportions of fresh forage ramie (0, 33, 67, and 100%) as a substitute for alfalfa hay (designated as CON, FR33, FR67, and FR100, respectively). On days 69 and 70 of the experimental period, milk and blood samples were collected for analysis. We found no significant differences in the milk yield and milk quality (milk protein percentage, milk fat percentage, and milk lactose percentage) between the treatments. We did find that forage ramie significantly reduced dry matter intake (DMI) and 4% fat-corrected milk (FCM) yield. Meanwhile, no significant differences were detected in serum parameters between the treatments, with the exception of triglyceride (TG) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). In conclusion, our data indicate that alfalfa hay can be replaced with forage ramie in the diet of Holstein cows in the milk lactation stage, with no negative effects on milk quality and blood parameters.

     

奶牛常用蛋白质饲料和粗饲料的瘤胃降解特性研究

本研究旨在评定不同蛋白质饲料(豆粕、双低菜籽粕、膨化大豆、玉米蛋白粉、棉籽粕)和粗饲料(苜蓿干草、全株玉米青贮、燕麦草、苜蓿青贮、羊草)的营养价值,并研究其奶牛瘤胃降解特性.选择5头安装永久性瘤胃瘘管的健康荷斯坦牛,采用尼龙袋评定法评定饲料瘤胃有效降解率和动态降解率.结果表明:1)各蛋白质饲料干物质(DM)含量差异不显...     

Studies on the use of lucerne silage source for high-milk-producing dairy cows

Studies on the use of lucerne silage as a forage source for high-yielding dairy cows. It was the main objective of this study to investigate effects of lucerne silage inclusion in maize silage-based rations on dry matter intake, milk yield and metabolic parameters of high yielding dairy cows. Three total mixed rations (TMR) were used. They contained as the main forage source on a dry matter basis 41.5% maize silage and 12% grass silage (ration maize) or 18% maize silage and 29% of either grass silage (ration grass) or lucerne silage (ration lucerne). Organic matter digestibility, determined with wether sheep, was 77 and 65% for the grass and the lucerne silage, respectively. Each TMR was fed to 4 wether sheep to determine crude nutrient digestibilities. The content of net energy for lactation (NEL), as calculated from digestible crude nutrients, was (MJ/kg dry matter (DM)): 7.1 (maize), 7.2 (grass) and 6.8 (lucerne). Based on the results of a chemical fractionation of crude protein it was calculated that the content of utilisable crude protein (nXP) was not below 167 g/kg DM and that the N balance in the rumen was not negative for all 3 TMR. The TMR were fed for 169 days to at least 28 dairy cows per treatment which were in their first half of lactation. Feed intake, milk performance data and physiological indicators were measured for each individual cow. The DM intake was significantly higher in treatment lucerne (23.2 kg/d) than in treatments grass (21.2 kg/d) and maize (22.6 kg/d). Daily intakes of NEL and nXP were significantly lower in treatment grass than in the other two treatments. Milk yield was significantly higher in treatment maize (41.7 kg/d) than in treatments grass (37.3 kg/d) and lucerne (38.5 kg/d). This was associated with a significantly lower milk fat content in treatment maize (3.5%) in comparison with the other two treatments (3.9% each). Milk protein content was unaffected by treatment (3.4% on average). Similarly, the acetone content of milk was not significantly different between treatments. The beta-hydroxybutyrate content of the deproteinized blood was significantly higher in treatment lucerne at start of lactation, but this difference disappeared in subsequent parts of the experimental period. Measurements of back fat thickness indicated mobilisation and retention of energy by cows during the experimental period to be similar in all treatments. It is concluded that lucerne silage is a suitable forage source for high yielding dairy cows in spite of its low digestibility.