木聚糖酶对肉鸡能量饲料养分利用率和表观代谢能值的影响

本试验通过肉鸡代谢试验考察木聚糖酶对玉米、小麦、麦麸和米糠的养分利用率和表观代谢能(AME)值的影响,确定木聚糖酶与不同能量饲料的定量关系.试验包括4个单因子试验,分别用玉米、小麦、麦麸、米糠进行代谢试验,每种饲料设5个处理,添加不同水平木聚糖酶,每个处理8个重复,每个重复1只鸡.试验结果表明:对于玉米,当木聚糖酶添加水平为1 500 IU/kg时,与对照组相比,干物质利用率提高了0.93%(P<0.05).对于小麦,木聚糖酶水平为3 000 IU/kg时,干物质、能量和蛋白质利用率提高幅度最大,分别提高了7.02%(P<0.01)、6.78%(P<0.01)和22.31%(P<0.05).对于麦麸,在木聚糖酶为6 000 IU/kg时,干物质和能量利用率提高幅度最大,分别提高10.14%和14.73%(P<0.01);在木聚糖酶为4 000 IU/kg时,蛋白质利用率提高157.31%(P<0.01).对于米糠,在酶水平为1 500 IU/kg时,米糠的蛋白质利用率提高了27.92%(P<0.05).适宜水平的木聚糖酶显著提高了小麦、麦麸的AME值.结果表明,玉米、小麦、麦麸、米糠中每克总木聚糖的适宜木聚糖酶添加量分别为35.38、27.01、30.21和18.27 IU,每克水溶性木聚糖的适宜木聚糖酶添加量分别为1 250、273.56、753.33和937.5 IU.     

Tropical legume supplementation influences microbial protein synthesis and rumen ecology

Four rumen‐fistulated male swamp buffaloes, 5‐year‐old with initiated live weight at 360 ± 12 kg, were randomly assigned according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design to investigate the effect of feeding high level of dried Leucaena leaf (DLL) on feed intake, fermentation efficiency and microbial protein synthesis. The dietary treatments were the feeding levels of DLL at 0, 2, 4 and 6 kg/head/day. All buffaloes were supplemented with concentrate mixtures at 0.1% of body weight, and rice straw was fed ad libitum with the availability of water and mineral block at all time. The results revealed that the total feed intake and nutrient digestibility were significantly improved with the increasing levels of DLL feeding, and the highest was in the buffaloes consuming DLL at 6 kg/head/day. Feeding high levels of DLL did not affect on ruminal pH and temperature, while ammonia nitrogen, blood urea nitrogen and volatile fatty acid concentration were significantly enhanced. Moreover, methane production was dramatically reduced by increasing levels of DLL feeding. Total direct counts of the micro‐organism population were increased with the increasing levels of DLL feeding. According to the application of quantitative PCR to quantity cellulolytic bacteria (16S rRNA) targets, it was found that the population of total bacteria and Fibrobactor succinogenes was affected by treatments, while Ruminococcus flavefaciens and methanogen population were significantly decreased as buffaloes were fed with DLL. The nitrogen balance and microbial nitrogen supply were remarkably improved with the increasing levels of DLL feeding. Based on this study, it could be concluded that high levels of DLL feeding at 6 kg/head/day could enhance feed intake, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation efficiency and microbial protein synthesis in swamp buffaloes fed on rice straw without any adverse effect.     

Effect of rumen-protected nutrients on feed intake,body weights,milk yield,and composition in Murrah buffaloes during early lactation

The effect of rumen-protected nutrients (bypass fat, BPF; bypass protein, BPP; or their combination, BPPF) was investigated in Murrah buffaloes during the early stage of lactation. Forty Murrah buffaloes (BW 531.92?±?10.85 kg) just after parturition were randomly distributed into four groups according to parity and milk production. Buffaloes individually fed ration from day 0 to 90 postpartum according to feeding group and nutrient requirement. Control and BPF fed groups received a concentrate mixture, CM1 with 25% rumen-protected protein (using barley, wheat bran, and mustard oil cake), BPP and BPPF groups received a second concentrate mixture, CM2 with 40% rumen-protected protein (using barley, de-oiled rice bran, and cottonseed cake). Bypass fat fed groups (BPF and BPPF) additionally were supplemented with 15 g BPF (Ca salt of long-chain fatty acids) per kg milk yield in their respective concentrate mixtures. Dry matter intake, body weights, body condition score, and total milk yield were similar between groups (P?>?0.05). Fat-corrected milk (FCM) production was improved (14.5%, P?>?0.05) in groups fed BPP and BPPF, while significant (19.45%, P?<?0.05) improvement was observed in BPF-fed group. Overall mean values of milk fat, solid not fat, protein, lactose, and total solids were found to be high (P?<?0.05) in treatment groups as compared with control values. It may be concluded that supplementation with BPP or BPF either alone or in combination positively influences the quality of milk produced in Murrah buffaloes during early lactation and BPF additionally had improvement on the quantitative trait of milk as well.

     

The effect of microbial phytase on ileal phosphorus and amino acid digestibility in the broiler chicken

1. The study aimed to assess the effect of a commercially available microbial phytase on phytate phosphorus and total phosphorus content at the terminal ileum as well as true ileal amino acid digestibility. 2. Five diets, each containing a different plant-based feedstuff, were supplemented with microbial phytase and fed, along with a non-supplemented corresponding diet, to 28-d-old broiler chickens, Chromic oxide was used as an indigestible marker. Ileal contents were collected and analysed, along with the diets, for total phosphorus, phytate phosphorus and amino acids. 3. Endogenous phosphorus determined at the terminal ileum was 272 +/- 108 mg/kg food dry matter (mean +/- SE). Endogenous ileal amino acid flows ranged from 58 +/- 10 mg/kg food dry matter for methionine to 568 +/- 47 mg/kg food dry matter for glutamic acid. 4. Supplementation with microbial phytase resulted in a significantly greater phytate P disappearance from the terminal ileum for rice bran (17% units), but not for soyabean meal, maize, wheat or rapeseed meal. Similarly total phosphorus digestibility was significantly (P < 0.05) higher when microbial phytase was added to the rice-bran-based diet but not for any of the other feedstuffs. 5. Amino acid digestibility was significantly greater in the presence of microbial phytase for all the amino acids examined in wheat, for several of the amino acids each in maize and rapeseed meal and for one amino acid in rice bran and soyabean meal. The average increase in amino acid digestibility for those amino acids affected, was 13, 6, 10, 7 and 12% units for wheat, maize, rapeseed meal, rice bran and soyabean meal, respectively. 6. It appears that microbial phytase improves phosphorus digestibility and amino acid digestibility for certain plant-based feedstuffs.     

Composition and fatty acid profile of milk from cows supplemented with pressed oilseed cake

This study compared the productive and nutritional parameters of milk from crossbred lactating cows managed on Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. Tanzania and with a diet supplemented with different pressed oilseed cakes. The supplements used were as follows: peanut cake, sunflower cake and palm kernel cake for replacement of soybean meal. Sixteen cows with an average weight of 544 ± 57 kg and producing 8 ± 1.4 L of milk per day were used in this study. The animals were randomly assigned to the treatments according to a Latin square design repeated over time, with four treatments, 16 animals and four experimental periods. Supplementation of the diet with peanut cake, sunflower cake and palm kernel cake compared with soybean meal in the diet of cows did not affect the average daily production or composition of the milk. The palm kernel cake promoted an increase in lauric fatty acids (C_12:0) and palmitoleic acids (C_16:1) (5.02 and 1.65%, respectively) compared with peanut cake and sunflower cake (4.13 and 4.01%, respectively). The levels of oleic fatty acids (C_18:1) were higher for the sunflower cake and palm kernel cake supplements (26.01 and 25.01%, respectively) compared with peanut cake (23.11%). The replacement of soybean meal with sunflower cake and palm kernel cake improved the nutritional quality of the milk, with lower concentrations of saturated fatty acids and higher concentrations of unsaturated fatty acids, without compromising the production or nutritional composition of the milk. © 2015 Japanese Society of Animal Science     

In vitro rumen fermentation and digestibility of buffaloes as influenced by grape pomace powder and urea treated rice straw supplementation

This study aimed to investigate the effect of grape pomace powder levels and roughage sources on gas kinetics, digestibility and fermentation of swamp buffaloes by using in vitro techniques. The experimental design was a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design. Factor A was two sources of roughage (untreated rice straw, RS, and 3% urea treated rice straw, UTRS) and factor B was four levels of grape pomace powder (GPP) supplementation (0, 2, 4, 6% of substrate) on a dry matter basis. Results revealed that GPP supplementation at 2, 4 and 6% of substrate influenced gas kinetics. Cumulative gas production tended to be lower in the supplemented group. In vitro true digestibility was higher in the GPP supplementation at 2% with UTRS while microbial mass was higher in the supplemented groups. Supplementation of GPP significantly increased the total volatile fatty acids, especially propionate. Calculated methane production was subsequently decreased in the supplemented groups. Bacterial population was higher while protozoal population was lower by GPP supplementation. It could be concluded that supplementation of GPP at 2% of the substrate with UTRS improved in vitro true digestibility, rumen fermentation end‐products as well as reducing methane production.     

Effects of feeding frequency on the performance and welfare of mature Hereford cows and their progeny

A study was conducted to assess the effects of daily feeding (D) vs. feeding every third day (3D) on the performance of suckler cows and calves. In treatment 3D, the cows received the entire three-day feed portion on the first feeding day. The feeding regimens were imposed during the indoor feeding period in cold circumstances with grass silage and hay offered in the proportions of 1 : 1 on an energy basis for the cows. Thirty-two mature Hereford cows with an initial live weight (LW) of 787 kg and body condition score (BCS) of 3.33 were selected for the experiment. The experiment consisted of a winter feeding period and a grazing period averaging 225 and 96 days, respectively. Indoors the cows received a daily average 94 MJ metabolizable energy. The in vivo digestibility of dietary organic matter was similar in both treatments. No significant differences between the treatments were observed in cow LW, BCS, milk production and calf LW. Thirty-one cows were observed to be pregnant after the mating period. In the 3D treatment the serum concentrations of urea and long-chain fatty acids were increased on the third day after feeding compared to first and second days throughout the experiment, possibly due to activation of lipolysis and proteolysis. The 3D cows spent on average more (P < 0.001, 9.1% vs. 4.5%) time lying and less time (P < 0.05, 32.9% vs. 40.1%) outdoors than the D cows. On the basis of the results, feeding every third day is an acceptable winter feeding strategy for mature suckler cows if the cows receive enough energy for maintenance and milk production.     

Supplemental fat in high-energy rations for lactating cows: effects on intake, digestion, milk yield, and composition

Supplemental fats (SF) have special value in the diets of dairy cows with superior productive ability, because the high energy density of SF allows greater energy consumption and direct transfer of the fatty acids (FA) of the SF to milk fat; this increases metabolic efficiency. Some SF, especially oils with a high degree of unsaturation, disturb ruminal fermentation, decrease fiber digestibility, and lower milk fat test; however, oilseeds (e.g., whole cottonseed) can be fed without observable ruminal inhibition, probably because of a slow release of the oil into ruminal contents. A number of commercial fat supplements are available that have little effect on ruminal fermentation and are highly digestible postruminally. A product of the calcium salts of palm oil fatty acids was shown to have a NE for lactation of more than three times that of corn. As the emphasis in milk pricing formula changes from milk fat to milk protein, there is greater concern regarding the propensity of fat supplements to decrease milk protein (casein) percentage. In two studies, a supplement of ruminally protected lysine and methionine largely prevented the reduction in casein percentage that occurred with feeding SF, indicating that the amino acid profile of undegraded dietary protein is important with regard to preventing the lower casein percentage. Combining fat supplements that are slowly released in the rumen with those that are inert in the rumen will allow maximal use of SF.     

Effects of supplementing with calcium salts of palm oil fatty acids or hydrogenated tallow on ewe milk production and twin lamb growth

Two experiments were conducted with Polypay ewes nursing twin lambs to evaluate the effects of supplementing fat (calcium salts of palm oil fatty acids or hydrogenated tallow) on ewe lactation. In Exp. 1, ewes were fed a 52% concentrate:48% hay-based diet (as-fed basis) consisting of alfalfa hay (n = 4), endophyte-free fescue hay (n = 4), or fescue hay with 3.7% fatty acids (n = 4) from d 4 to 56 of lactation. In Exp. 2, ewes were fed similar diets that had endophyte-free fescue hay (n = 6), fescue hay with 3.7% fatty acids (n = 5), or fescue hay with 3.1% tallow (n = 6) from d 14 before lambing until d 57 of lactation. Diet formulations with supplemental fat were more nutrient dense, and treatments were fed to meet ewe nutrient requirements; this caused diets with added fat to be offered at 10 and 17% lower rates than unsupplemented diets in Exp. 1 and 2, respectively. Lambs were maintained to consume only ewe milk. Ewe milk production and composition were determined using a portable milking machine following a 3-h separation from lambs. In Exp. 1, milk fat content was increased (P < 0.01) when ewes consumed fescue hay with fatty acids vs. the fescue hay diet (11.4 vs. 8.3%). Ewes fed fescue hay with fatty acids lost the most (P < 0.05) weight over lactation (-8.6 kg) compared with ewes fed the alfalfa hay (-2.4 kg) and fescue hay (-3.8 kg) diets. Other milk measures, lamb gain, and production efficiencies were not changed. In Exp. 2, ewes supplemented with fatty acids produced more (P < 0.05) milk fat than those fed tallow (290 vs. 210 g/d). The proportion of synthesized milk fat 14:0 was decreased (P < 0.01), but the percentage of incorporated 16:0 increased (P < 0.05) when fatty acids were fed. Dietary fat digestibility by ewes was increased (P < 0.01) by fatty acid supplementation but decreased (P < 0.01) when tallow was added. Although ewe weight measures were not changed in Exp. 2, twin lamb gain per ewe organic matter intake was most efficient (P < 0.05) when ewes were supplemented with fatty acids. Results suggest that feeding hydrogenated tallow decreased nutrient availability for ewe milk fat production. A complete diet based on endophyte-free fescue hay can replace a traditional alfalfa hay diet, whereas supplementing with the calcium salts of palm oil fatty acids may be more feasible when energy is limiting during ewe lactation.     

Response of dairy cows to protein level in early lactation

The comparison of cows' protein requirements with the supply of microbial and feed proteins digestible in the intestine shows a large deficit for the first weeks just after calving. The magnitude and duration of the deficit is reflected in the blood parameters of the protein status (protein, urea and free amino acid contents and composition) and of the energy status (glucose, free fatty acid content). Great increases in milk production are noted in this period by meeting protein requirements at all times during the first eight weeks after calving. Sometimes they are achieved at the expense of body stores, but in other cases they can be related to an increase in the efficiency of microbial digestion in the rumen, in the ingestibility of the feeds, or in the intake capacity of the cows. The effects on milk protein synthesis and on the intake capacity of the cows seem to be due to the supply of some essential amino acids, particularly methionine, but also to the supply of non-essential glucose precursor amino acids. More studies are needed on the mechanisms involved, on the long-term effects, and on the secondary effects on reproduction and health.     

Effects of calcium salts of long-chain fatty acids and rumen-protected methionine on plasma concentrations of ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide-1 (7 to 36) amide and pancreatic hormones in lactating cows

Our objective was to determine the effects of calcium salts of long-chain fatty acids (CLFAs) and rumen-protected methionine (RPM) on plasma concentrations of ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide-1 (7 to 36) amide, and pancreatic hormones in lactating cows. Four Holstein cows in midlactation were used in a 4 by 4 Latin square experiment in each 2-wk period. Cows were fed corn silage-based diets with supplements of CLFAs (1.5% added on dry matter basis), RPM (20 g/d), CLFAs plus RPM, and without supplement. Jugular blood samples were taken from 1 h before to 2 h after morning feeding at 10-min intervals on day 12 of each period. CLFAs decreased dry matter intake, but RPM did not affect dry matter intake. Both supplements of CLFAs and RPM did not affect metabolizable energy intake and milk yield and composition. Plasma concentrations of NEFAs, triglyceride (TG), and total cholesterol (T-Cho) were increased with CLFAs alone, but increases of plasma concentrations of TG and T-Cho were moderated by CLFAs plus RPM. Calcium salts of long-chain fatty acids increased plasma ghrelin concentration, and the ghrelin concentration with CLFAs plus RPM was the highest among the treatments. Plasma concentrations of glucagon-like peptide-1, glucagon, and insulin were decreased with CLFAs, whereas adding RPM moderated the decrease of plasma glucagon concentration by CLFAs. These results indicate that the addition of methionine to cows given CLFAs increases plasma concentrations of ghrelin and glucagon associated with the decrease in plasma concentrations of TG and T-Cho.     

Urinary calcium excretion in non‐lactating dairy cows in relation to intake of fat‐coated rice bran

At calving, many older cows fail to compensate the sudden demand of calcium by an adequate activation of intestinal absorption. This results in a variable degree of hypocalcaemia. Reducing intestinal availability of calcium during the close‐up period can prevent milk fever. Fat‐coated rice bran (FCRB) was investigated for its potential to reduce Ca availability in pre‐calving cows. Fat‐coated rice bran was incubated in situ to estimate ruminal degradation of dry matter and phytic acid. Also, seven dry multiparous dairy cows were used for a feeding trial in three periods of approximately 1 week each: P1: adaptation; P2: feeding of 2 kg of FCRB and P3: withdrawal of FCRB. Feed intake was recorded and daily urine samples were analysed for pH, Ca and creatinine. The bypass fraction of phytic acid (passage rate: 5%/h) was 30%. Fat‐coated rice bran depressed dry matter intake in P2, resulting in a lower Ca intake. In P2 urine pH and calcium excretion were lower. Daily calcium excretion decreased after introduction of FCRB, peaked after withdrawal and dropped 2 days later. Changes in urinary Ca excretion by feeding FCRB indicate that FCRB affected Ca homeostasis in dry multiparous dairy cows.     

Effects of ear corn silage supplementation on milk production and milk fatty acid profiles in grazing dairy farms

This study investigated the effects of substituting ear corn silage (ECS) for commercial formula feed on milk production and milk fatty acid profiles in grazing dairy farms during the summer season. A field survey was conducted on five grazing dairy farms in every summer month of 2017, 2018, and 2019. Three of the five farms substituted fresh ECS for the commercial formula feed at a ratio of 2:1 from July of each year (ECS farms). Other farms maintained the same feeding management as before (non‐ECS farms). An interview survey was conducted on each farm to calculate feed intake and milk yield per cow. Feed and milk samples were collected in each survey. Milk compositions and milk fatty acid profiles were determined. The substitution of ECS for the commercial formula feed did not affect milk yield or milk composition, but ECS farms maintained low levels of milk urea compared with non‐ECS farms (p < .01). The ECS substitution also influenced some of the milk fatty acid proportions; C16:0 and C16:1 increased, and trans‐11 C18:1, cis‐9,trans‐11 C18:2, and the sum of polyunsaturated fatty acids decreased, while these fatty acid proportions were maintained in non‐ECS farms throughout the summer season (p < .05).     

Effects of Streblus asper Lour foliage on digestibility,rumen fermentation,and nitrogen balance of growing goats

Eighteen crossbred (Thai native x Anglo-Nubian) goats were chosen from a Suranaree University of Technology’s farm on the basis of similar bodyweight (15.5 ± 3.5 kg). The goats were randomly allocated to three treatments in randomized complete block design. Each goat was given urea-treated rice straw as roughage plus the respective treatment diets. The diets were iso-nitrogenous and iso-energetic containing cassava pulp, molasses, urea, and commercial mineral and vitamin mix. The experimental treatments were (1) soybean meal (SBM), (2) partial substitution of SBM with Streblus aspe Lour foliage, or (3) partial substitution of SBM with Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) foliage. Nutrient intakes, ruminal characteristics (pH, ammonia nitrogen, and volatile fatty acids), nitrogen balances, and plasma urea nitrogen were not significantly different among treatments. The present results indicate that protein foliages from locally grown shrubs and trees can substitute imported feedstuffs concentrate (e.g., SBM) as protein supplement for goat production.     

Effect of fatty acids added to the milk replacer on white scour and excretion of fatty acids in Holstein calves

In order to examine the relationship between white scour and fatty acids, we added fatty acids to the milk replacer. Twenty healthy Holstein calves were divided into 4 groups, five calves per group; a control group with no fortified fatty acid, and 3 groups fed either with oleic, stearic, or palmitic acid, respectively. The calves were fed milk replacer (5% of the calf's body weight) twice a day but the fatty acids (2 wt % of milk replacer) were added only once. The fecal and blood samples were obtained at 0, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h after feeding of the acids. All five calves in the palmitic acid group, and 3 out of 5 calves each in the stealic and the oleic acid groups had whitish feces after feeding fatty acid. The stearic acid group had a significantly elevated stearic acid concentration in the feces during 24–36 h compared to the pre-feeding level. The fecal concentration of palmitic acid increased significantly at 24–36 h in the palmitic acid group. We concluded that the long-chain saturated fatty acids are one of the causes of white scour in calves.     

Glutamine and glutamate: Nonessential or essential amino acids?

Glutamine and glutamate are not considered essential amino acids but they play important roles in maintaining growth and health in both neonates and adults. Although glutamine and glutamate are highly abundant in most feedstuffs there is increasing evidence that they may be limiting during pregnancy, lactation and neonatal growth, particularly when relatively low protein diets are fed. Supplementation of diets with glutamine, glutamate or both at 0.5 to 1.0% to both suckling and recently weaned piglets improves intestinal and immune function and results in better growth. In addition such supplementation to the sow prevents some of the loss of lean body mass during lactation, and increases milk glutamine content. However, a number of important questions related to physiological condition,species under study and the form and amount of the supplements need to be addressed before the full benefits of glutamine and glutamate supplementation in domestic animal production can be realized.     

The effects on egg production and egg composition of adding supplements of amino acids and/or urea or dried auto‐claved poultry manure to a low‐protein layer diet

Thirty‐five laying hens of a medium‐weight hybrid strain, aged 10 months, were given a basal diet containing 11.5% protein or the same diet supplemented with 1.54% essential amino acids and/or with two sources of nitrogen for the synthesis of non‐essential amino acids (1.15% urea or 9.7% dried autoclaved poultry manure) for an 8‐week period.

Egg production, food intake, food conversion efficiency, the gross efficiency of nitrogen conversion and the ability of hens to maintain body weight were improved by supplementation with essential amino acids (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Supplementation with dried autoclaved poultry manure raised food intake, total egg mass and mean egg weight (P < 0.05), but supplementation with urea alone did not result in significantly higher egg production, perhaps because it failed to increase food intake. Supplementation with essential amino acids and urea to give the equivalent of 16% protein did not result in significantly higher egg production than that obtained with urea alone. The smallest eggs were produced by hens fed on the diet supplemented with urea, and the largest by those fed on the diet supplemented with dried manure (P < 0.001).

The gross composition of eggs was not influenced significantly by dietary treatment but albumen quality was significantly lower on the basal diet and higher on the supplemented diets (P < 0.001). It was highest in eggs from hens fed on the diet supplemented with urea alone.     

Comparative study on the regulation of body fluids and mammary circulation at different stages of lactation in crossbred Holstein cattle feeding on different types of roughage

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of prolonged feeding of urea‐treated rice straw, compared with feeding of hay, on the regulation of body fluids, milk yield and mammary circulation at early lactation (30 days postpartum), mid‐lactation (120 days postpartum) and late lactation (210 days postpartum) in crossbred Holstein Friesians. Sixteen first lactating crossbred Holstein Friesians (HF), consisting of eight animals of two breed types, 87.5%HF and 50%HF, were selected and each breed was randomly allocated into two groups. Each group, consisting of four animals from the same breed, was fed either 5% urea‐treated rice straw or pangola hay (Digitaria decumbens) as the source of roughage in combination with a similar concentrate throughout the experiments. During the course of lactation there were no significant differences in body weight, heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure, plasma osmolality, plasma volume and blood volume among groups of 87.5%HF animals and 50%HF animals fed either hay or urea‐treated rice straw. Water turnover rate, total body water space and total body water as a percentage of body weight of 50%HF animals were significantly higher than those of 87.5%HF animals fed either hay or urea‐treated rice straw. The packed cell volume was significantly higher in all lactating periods of both groups of 50%HF animals in comparison with 87.5%HF animals. The ratio of DM intake to milk production for 87.5%HF animals fed either hay or urea‐treated rice straw was significantly lower than that of 50%HF animals in early lactation. The udder blood flow and milk secretion of 87.5%HF were significantly higher in early lactation and markedly declined when lactation advanced in comparison with those of 50%HF animals fed either hay or urea‐treated rice straw. The ratio of mammary blood flow to milk yield for all groups was in a similar range during early lactation although it significantly increased in mid‐ and late lactation for both groups of 87.5%HF animals. From these results it can be concluded that both 50%HF and 87.5%HF animals feeding on urea‐treated rice straw as a roughage source do not show any undernutritional effects in comparison with those fed with hay during the course of lactation. The physiological response differences between breeds are that 87.5%HF animals, which have a genetic makeup closer to the exotic bos taurus breed and a high milk yield, show a poor adjustment to the tropical environment and poorer lactation persistency in comparison with 50%HF animals.     

Effect of brewer's grain on rumen fermentation, milk production and milk composition in lactating dairy cows

Six lactating Holstein cows were divided into two groups (n = 3) and used in a double reversal trial with three periods of 14 days each to evaluate the rumen fermentation, milk production and milk composition of cows fed brewer's grain (BG). The control diets contained 14% chopped Sudangrass hay, 24% corn silage, 18% alfalfa hay cube, 34% concentrate mixture‐1 and 10% concentrate mixture‐2 (wheat bran, soybean meal and cottonseed). In the experimental diet, wet BG replaced the concentrate mixture‐2. The protozoal population, concentration of ammonia‐N and volatile fatty acids in the ruminal fluid did not differ between the control and BG diets. The molar percentage of acetic acid was significantly higher (P < 0.05) with the BG diet at 5 h after feeding. The milk yield, the percentage of protein, lactose, solids not‐fat and somatic cell counts of milk did not differ between the two diets. The percentage of milk fat tended to increase with the BG diet. The BG diet significantly increased the proportions of C18:0 and C18:1 in milk fat (P < 0.01, P < 0.05, respectively) and tended to increase that of conjugated linoleic acid.     

Effects of feeding fatty acid calcium and the interaction of forage quality on production performance and biochemical indexes in early lactation cow

Multiparous early lactation Holstein cows (n = 16) were used in a randomized complete block design to determine the effects of feeding fatty acid calcium and the interaction of forage quality on production performance and biochemical indexes in early lactation cow. Treatments were as follows: (i) feeding low‐quality forage without supplying fatty acid calcium (Diet A), (ii) feeding low‐quality forage with supplying 400 g fatty acid calcium (Diet B), (iii) feeding high‐quality forage without supplying fatty acid calcium (Diet C) and (iv) feeding high‐quality forage with supplying 400 g fatty acid calcium. This experiment consisted 30 days. The milk and blood samples were collected in the last day of the trail. Intakes were recorded in the last 2 days of the trail. Supplementation of fatty acid calcium decreased significantly dry matter intake (DMI) (p < 0.01). Addition fatty acid calcium decreased milk protein percentage (p < 0.01) and milk SNF percentage (p < 0.01), but increased MUN (p < 0.05). Supplemented fatty acid decreased concentration of blood BHBA (p < 0.05), but increased TG, NEFA, glucagon, GLP‐1, CCK, leptin, ApoA‐IV, serotonin and MSH concentration in blood, the CCK concentration and feed intake showed a significant negative correlation (p < 0.05).