Effect of tannins and saponins in Samanea saman on rumen environment,milk yield and milk composition in lactating dairy cows

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of tannins and saponins in Samanea saman on rumen fermentation, milk yield and milk composition in lactating dairy cows. Four multiparous early‐lactating dairy cows (Holstein‐Friesian cross‐bred, 75%) with an initial body weight (BW) of 405 ± 40 kg and 36 ± 8 day in milk were randomly assigned to receive dietary treatments according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The four dietary treatments were unsupplemented (control), supplemented with rain tree pod (S. saman) meal (RPM) at 60 g/kg, supplemented with palm oil (PO) at 20 g/kg, and supplemented with RPM at 60 g/kg and PO at 20 g/kg (RPO), of total dry matter (DM) intake. Cows were fed with concentrate diets at a ratio of concentrate to milk yield of 1:2, and chopped 30 g/kg of urea‐treated rice straw was fed ad libitum. The RPM contained condensed tannins and crude saponins at 88 and 141 g/kg of DM respectively. It was found that s upplementation with RPM and/or PO to dairy cows diets did not show negative effect on ruminal pH, blood urea nitrogen and milk urea nitrogen concentration (p > 0.05). However, supplementation with RPM resulted in lower ammonia nitrogen (NH₃‐N) concentration (p < 0.05). In addition, propionic acid and milk production increased while acetic acid, acetic to propionic ratio, methane production, methanogens and protozoal population decreased with RPM and/or PO supplementation. Furthermore, addition of PO and RPO in the diets increased milk fat while supplementation of RPM resulted in greater milk protein and Fibrobacter succinogenes numbers (p < 0.05). The population of Ruminococcus flavefaciens and Ruminococcus albus were not affected by any treatments. The findings on the present study showed that supplementation with RPM and RPO to diets of cows improved the rumen environment and increased milk yield, content of milk protein and milk fat.     

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.     

奶牛日粮加锌对营养物质表观消化率的影响研究

选择8头泌乳前期的中国荷斯坦奶牛,采用4×4重复拉丁方设计,研究奶牛日粮加锌对营养物质全消化道表观消化率的影响。试验分为4组,每组2头,其中A为对照组(基础日粮);B组(基础日粮 20mg/kgZn);C组(基础日粮 40mg/kgZn);D组(基础日粮 60mg/kgZn),试验期分3个阶段,共3个月。结果表明:B组、C组和D组干物质、粗蛋白质、粗脂肪、酸性洗涤纤维和中性洗涤纤维的全消化道表观消化率均比A组有增强的趋势,但均差异不显著(p>0.05)。     

不同瘤胃细菌培养物添加水平对奶牛瘤胃发酵及BCP含量的影响

本文旨在研究不同剂量的瘤胃细菌培养物对荷斯坦奶牛瘤胃发酵及菌体蛋白(BCP)含量的影响。试验采用单因素试验设计,选用4头装有永久性瘤胃瘘管,体况相近的荷斯坦奶牛,取其瘤胃液混匀,添加不同剂量的瘤胃细菌培养物进行体外培养,分别为:对照组(0 CUF/g),试验Ⅰ组(添加量为3%,4.4×108CUF/g),试验Ⅱ组(添加量为5%,7.8×108CUF/g),试验Ⅲ组(添加量为10%,1.2×109CUF/g),每组分别设2、4、8、12、24、36、48 h 7个指标测定时间点,每个时间点3个重复。结果表明:(1)添加瘤胃细菌培养物使瘤胃液pH有所降低,但始终在6.5～7.0,对瘤胃内环境无不良影响;(2)添加3%的瘤胃细菌培养物显著降低氨态氮(NH3-N)的含量(P<0.05),显著增加了培养液BCP的浓度(P<0.05);(3)添加3%的瘤胃细菌培养物可一定程度增加总挥发性脂肪酸(TVFA)和乙酸浓度,但对其他各挥发性脂肪酸及乙酸/丙酸比值无显著影响。由此可见,添加3%剂量的瘤胃细菌培养物可改变瘤胃的发酵环境,提高BCP浓度。     

日粮添加包被尿素对乳山羊泌乳性能、乳成分及瘤胃发酵参数的影响

文章旨在评估日粮添加包被尿素替代豆粕对乳山羊泌乳性能、养分摄入、乳成分及瘤胃发酵参数的影响.试验将32头平均泌乳期为(68±3)d的乳山羊随机分为2组,每组16头,每组8个重复(2头/重复).对照组饲喂玉米-青贮玉米-豆粕型全混合日粮,处理组饲喂用30％包被尿素替代豆粕的全混合日粮,饲养试验持续5周.结果:日粮添加30...     

复合酶制剂对瘤胃发酵及泌乳早期奶牛生产性能的影响

本试验旨在研究添加不同水平复合酶制剂对瘤胃发酵及奶牛生产性能的影响。试验一以奶牛全混合日粮作为底物进行体外瘤胃发酵试验,分为4组,即对照组不添加酶制剂,试验1、2和3组的酶制剂添加量分别为日粮浓度的0.10%、0.15%和0.20%,每组设9个重复。每个重复准确称取0.500 g底物,在体外发酵产气自动记录装置上发酵48 h,测定其发酵参数和营养物质降解率。结果表明:复合酶制剂显著提高发酵液中总挥发性脂肪酸和乙酸浓度(P<0.05);试验组中粗蛋白(P<0.05)和中性洗涤纤维(P<0.01)降解率显著高于对照组。试验二选择体重、胎次、泌乳天数和产奶量相近的泌乳早期荷斯坦奶牛36头,采用随机区组设计分为4组,即对照组和试验1、2和3组,对照组不添加酶制剂,试验1、2和3组分别添加0.10%、0.15%和0.20%的酶制剂,每组9个重复,试验期8周,测定产奶量和乳成分含量,计算3.5%乳脂校正乳。结果表明:复合酶制剂显著提高3.5%乳脂校正乳产量(P<0.05),0.10%、0.15%和0.20%组比对照组分别提高3.88、4.27和2.26 kg·d^-1。0.15%组的乳脂率显著高于对照组(P<0.05),比对照组高12.7%。结论添加复合酶制剂有利于瘤胃发酵和提高生产性能,且添加量为0.15%时效果较好。     

植物精油对泌乳期奶牛生产性能养分消化、瘤胃发酵及氮平衡的影响

本研究以泌乳期奶牛为研究对象,研究全混合日粮中补充植物精油对其养分摄入量、表观消化率、瘤胃发酵及氮和能量平衡的影响.试验将泌乳性能一致的16头荷斯坦奶牛随机分为2组,每组8个重复,每个重复1头牛.对照组饲喂基础全混合日粮,处理组饲喂基础全混合日粮+150 mg/kg植物精油,试验为期7周.结果:植物精油组奶牛干物质、有...     

Effect of propylene glycol and undegradable protein source on rumen fermentation, blood metabolism and milk production in lactating dairy cows

Eight lactating Holstein cows were divided into two groups ( n  = 4) and used in a double reversal trial with three periods of 14 days each, to evaluate diets containing propylene glycol (PG) and ruminally undegradable protein (RUP) blend on milk yield and composition, ruminal fermentation and blood metabolism. The control diet contained 20% chopped Sudangrass hay, 20% cubed alfalfa hay, 12% corn silage, and 48% of the respective concentrate mixtures (dry matter basis). The experimental diet (PG + RUP) partially replaced the concentrate mixture from the control diet with 1.4% PG and 2.1% RUP. Both diets contained about 16% crude protein and 71% total digestible nutrients. Dry matter intake was similar between the two diets. Daily production of milk, milk lactose and milk solids-not-fat increased by 9.0%, 11.3% and 9.3%, respectively ( P  < 0.1), for cows fed diets with PG + RUP; milk composition was unchanged. Although the concentration of ruminal total volatile fatty acids was unchanged, the proportion of propionic acid increased, and the proportion of acetic acid decreased with PG + RUP. The concentration of ruminal ammonia nitrogen and number of ciliate protozoa was not significantly affected by PG + RUP. The concentration of glucose in blood plasma increased, the concentration of urea nitrogen was unaffected, and the concentration of some essential free amino acids decreased with PG + RUP. It is suggested that these changes might be caused predominantly by PG, and the addition of PG may exert a favorable effect on milk production through increased metabolism.     

日粮添加益生菌对干乳期奶牛生长性能、瘤胃发酵及氮平衡的影响

本研究旨在评估全混合日粮添加益生菌对干乳期奶牛生长性能、瘤胃发酵及氮平衡的影响.试验将体重为(440.92±3.33)kg、平均干乳期为42?d的60头荷斯坦奶牛随机分为2组,每组5个重复,每个重复6头.对照组饲喂玉米-豆粕型全混合日粮,处理组饲喂基础全混合日粮+200?mg/kg益生菌(枯草芽孢杆菌含量:1×106?...     

A comparative study at two different altitudes with two dietary nutrition levels on rumen fermentation and energy metabolism in Chinese Holstein cows

The object of this study was to investigate the effect of two altitudes (1600 vs. 3600 m) with two nutritional levels [5.88 MJ/kg dry matter (DM) vs. 7.56 MJ/kg DM] on apparent total tract digestibility, rumen fermentation, energy metabolism, milk yield and milk composition in Chinese Holstein cows. Sixteen Chinese Holstein cows in their third lactation with close body weights, days in milk and milk yield were randomly divided into four groups, of which two were directly transferred from Lanzhou (altitude of 1600 m) to Lhasa (altitude of 3600 m). Four treatments (high plateau and high nutrition level, HA‐HN; high plateau and low nutrition level, HA‐LN; low plateau and high nutrition level, LA‐HN; and low plateau and low nutrition level, LA‐LN) were randomly arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial experimental design. Results indicated that the apparent total tract digestibility of a diet’s DM, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre and DM intake were not affected by either altitude or nutrition level (p > 0.05). Milk protein percentage was higher for the diet with the high level of nutrition than for the diet with low nutrition level irrespective of altitude (p < 0.05). Percentages of milk fat and milk lactose were not affected by either altitude or nutrition level (p > 0.05). The metabolizable energy used for milk energy output was decreased by high altitude in comparison with that at low altitude (p < 0.05). No differences were observed in the live body weight or body condition score (BCS) of Chinese Holstein cows among all of the four treatments (p > 0.05).     

Theoretical turnover rate of the rumen liquid fraction in dairy cows and its relationship to feed intake,rumen fermentation,and milk production

Ruminant animals are able to convert plant materials (grain and the human‐indigestible portion of carbohydrates) to milk and meat. In this conversion, most of the plant materials are digested by rumen fermentation and are changed to short‐chain fatty acids, microbial cells, and methane, which is released into the atmosphere. The relationships among feed, rumen fermentation, and milk production are poorly understood. Here we report a novel indicator of characteristics of rumen fermentation, theoretical turnover rate (TTOR) of the rumen liquid fraction. The TTOR was calculated from the presumed rumen volume (PRV) which is estimated by dividing the methane yield by the methane concentration of rumen fluid. The formula for the TTOR is: TTOR = PRV/body weight^0.75. Our present analyses confirm that the TTOR as an indicator is capable of connecting feed, rumen fermentation, and milk production, because dry matter intake/TTOR showed a strong correlation with milk yield/TTOR. In addition, the TTOR may be related to ruminal pH, as we observed that the ruminal pH decreased as the TTOR increased. We propose that the TTOR is a factor characterizing rumen fermentation and a good indicator of the productivity of ruminants and dysbiosis of the rumen microbiome.     

不同过瘤胃淀粉日粮对泌乳奶牛消化代谢的影响

以3头体况良好,安装有永久性瘤胃瘘管的泌乳前期奶牛为试验动物,在日粮精粗比为55∶45的前提条件下,采用3×3完全拉丁方试验设计,研究了3种不同过瘤胃淀粉日粮对泌乳奶牛消化代谢的影响。研究结果表明:3组不同日粮对营养物质的采食、排泄以及消化利用有着一定的规律性。3组不同日粮之间的采食量和消化率无明显差异(P>0.05);低过瘤胃淀粉日粮组的粪NDF排出量明显高于其他2组(P<0.05),其他2组之间差异不显著(P>0.05),粪中其他营养物质的排出量3组之间没有差异(P>0.05)。与对照组相比,其他2组均使尿氮排出量降低,其中高过瘤胃淀粉日粮组达到了显著水平(P<0.05),并且高过瘤胃淀粉日粮的氮沉积量和可消化氮转化为沉积氮的效率也明显高于其他2组(P<0.05),其他2组之间差异不显著。     

过瘤胃蛋白和丙二醇对乳牛瘤胃发酵、产乳量及乳成分的影响

用 8头荷斯坦黑白花奶牛 ,在饲粮中添加过瘤胃蛋白和丙二醇 ,研究其对乳牛瘤胃发酵、产乳量及乳成分的影响。结果表明 ,过瘤胃蛋白+丙二醇可显著提高丙酸浓度 (P <0 0 5) ,并且产乳量较对照组有增加的趋势。乳脂率、乳蛋白率、乳糖率及无脂固形物率 ,并未因添加过瘤胃蛋白和丙二醇而受到显著影响 (P >0 0 5)。乳蛋白质量、乳脂量及无脂固形物量 ,过瘤胃蛋白 +丙二醇组较对照组有增加的趋势 ,但差异均不显著 (P >0 0 5)。     

Effects of selenium yeast on rumen fermentation, lactation performance and feed digestibilities in lactating dairy cows

The objective was to evaluate the effects of selenium-yeast (SY) supplementation on rumen fermentation, lactation performance and feed digestibilities in dairy cows. Twenty-eight multiparous (2.5 ± 0.3 parity) Holstein dairy cows, averaging 625 ± 18.2 kg of BW, 63 ± 3.0 days in milk and average daily milk production of 26.2 ± 0.5 kg/cow were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square experiment. Treatments were: control, LSY, MSY and HSY with 0, 150, 300 and 450 mg selenium yeast (Sel-Plex®, 1 g/kg selenium, produced from Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-3060) per kg of diet dry matter (DM), respectively. Experimental periods were 45 days with 30 days of adaptation and 15 days of sampling. Ruminal pH was lower for MSY than for control and was linearly (P = 0.03) decreased, whereas total VFA concentration was linearly and quadratically (P ≤ 0.01) increased with increasing SY supplementation, with the least for control, followed by LSY and HSY, and the highest for MSY. Ratio of acetate to propionate was lower for LSY, MSY and HSY than for control, and was linearly and quadratically (P ≤ 0.01) decreased as SY supplementation increased due to an increase in molar proportion of propionate. Ruminal ammonia N content was lower (P ≤ 0.01) for MSY and HSY than for control and was linearly decreased (P ≤ 0.01) with increasing SY supplementation. Dry matter intake, proportions and yields of milk fat, protein and lactose were not affected (P > 0.05). Milk yields and 4% FCM were higher (P ≤ 0.05) for LSY and MSY than for HSY and control. Milk selenium content was linearly and quadratically (P ≤ 0.01) increased as increasing SY supplementation, with the least for control, followed by LSY and MSY, and the highest for HSY. Digestibilities of DM, organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), aNDF and ADF in the total tract were higher (P < 0.01) for LSY and MSY than for control and HSY. The results indicate that supplementation of diet with SY improved rumen fermentation, milk yields, milk selenium, and feed digestion. It was suggested that the SY stimulated the digestive microorganisms or enzymes in a dose-dependent manner. In the experimental conditions of this trial, the optimum selenium-yeast dose was about 300 mg per kg diet DM.     

胍基乙酸对锦江黄牛瘤胃体外发酵参数的影响

为研究饲料中添加胍基乙酸对牛瘤胃体外发酵参数的影响,试验选取3只身体健康、2岁左右、体重为(200~250)kg、安装瘤胃瘘管的锦江黄牛供采集瘤胃液。采取体外产气法对添加不同水平胍基乙酸(0.1%、0.2%、0.3%、0.4%)体外发酵培养,测定24 h培养液中pH、氨态氮(NH3-N)、挥发性脂肪酸(VFA)、微生物蛋白(MCP)浓度及干物质消化率等瘤胃发酵指标。结果表明:(1)随着胍基乙酸添加量的增加,0.4%添加组产气量显著提高40.82%(P<0.05)。胍基乙酸添加组的pH显著低于空白对照组(P<0.05),但均在正常范围内;NH3-N浓度随着添加剂量的增加呈先降低后升高趋势,其中0.1%、0.2%添加组显著低于空白对照组(P<0.05),分别降低了10.55%、15.29%。瘤胃微生物蛋白含量随着胍基乙酸添加量的增加而增加,0.4%添加组显著提高了1.41%(P<0.05)。干物质消化率(IVDMD)随着胍基乙酸添加量的增加先增加后减少,其中0.4%添加组显著提高了11.24%(P<0.05)。(2)胍基乙酸组挥发性脂肪酸总量、乙酸、丙酸、丁酸有上升趋势,并且0.4%添加组显著高于空白对照组(P<0.05),其中TVFA提高了6.58%,丙酸含量提高了9.08%。但是乙酸/丙酸各组无显著差异(P>0.05)。综上所述,胍基乙酸添加可以促进瘤胃发酵功能。     

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.     

Effect of feeding Bacillus subtilis natto fermentation product on milk production and composition, blood metabolites and rumen fermentation in early lactation dairy cows

This experiment was conducted to determine the effect of Bacillus subtilis natto fermentation product supplementation on blood metabolites, rumen fermentation and milk production and composition in early lactation dairy cows. Thirty-six multiparous Holstein cows (DIM = 29 ± 6 days, parity = 2.8 ± 1.1) were blocked by DIM and parity and then randomly assigned to three treatments (12 per treatment) in a 9-week trial. Cows in control, DFM1 and DFM2 were fed TMR diets supplemented with 0, 6 and 12 g of B. subtilis natto solid-state fermentation product per day per cow respectively. Plasma non-esterified fatty acids were lower (p = 0.03) in DFM1 and DFM2 compared with control cows (633 and 639 vs. 685 μm). Ruminal propionate increased (23.9 vs. 26.3 and 26.9/100 mol, control vs. DFM1 and DFM2 respectively) and acetate decreased (64.2 vs. 62.7 and 62.1/100 mol, control vs. DFM1 and DFM2 respectively) with increasing B. subtilis natto fermentation product supplementation. DMI of the cows in three treatments was not affected by B. subtilis natto fermentation product supplementation, but milk yield was 3.1 and 3.2 kg/day higher for DFM1 and DFM2 than that for control cows on average across the 9-week trial, and significant differences were observed during weeks 5-9 of the trial, which resulted in 9.5% and 11.7% increase in feed efficiency. B. subtilis natto fermentation product supplementation did not affect milk fat percentage and protein yield but increased (p < 0.05) milk fat yield and lactose percentage (p < 0.01) and tended to decrease protein percentage (p = 0.06). The findings show that B. subtilis natto fermentation product was effective in increasing lactation performance of early lactation dairy cows possibly by altering the rumen fermentation pattern without any negative effects on blood metabolites.     

Effects of corn straw or mixed forage diet on rumen fermentation parameters of lactating cows using a wireless data logger

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of two different forage types on rumen fermentation parameters and profiles using a wireless data logger. Eight lactating cows were randomly assigned to one of two dietary treatments with a low forage diet with corn straw (CS) or a high forage diet with mixed forage (MF) as the forage source, respectively. Dietary physically effective neutral detergent fiber (peNDF) content was 11.3% greater in CS. Dry matter intake and milk fatty acid content decreased upon CS (P < 0.05). Ruminal pH, temperature and oxidation reduction potential (ORP) were monitored for 14 weeks. The CS group had significantly higher pH but lower temperature and ORP compared to MF (P < 0.01). With the CS diet regime, pH at the time before morning feeding, rumination and post‐ingestion were significantly higher than those in the MF group (P < 0.05). However, times with the ruminal pH below 6.0 and 5.8 were significantly reduced (P < 0.05), whereas ruminal pH below 5.6 tended to be lower (P = 0.07). The results indicated that rumen fermentation parameters were affected by forage types and dietary peNDF content might be predominant in ruminal pH regulation.     

Effects of fat coated rumen bypass lysine and methionine on performance of dairy cows fed a diet deficient in lysine and methionine

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of fat coated rumen bypass lysine (RPLys) and methionine (RPMet) on the lactation performance of dairy cows. In Experiment 1, three lactating cows were supplied with RPLys and fat coated DL‐Met which was highly protected (H‐RPMet) as an indigestible marker, and total fecal emission was collected for 72 h following administration. Measuring the proportional difference in fecal excretion of lysine derived from RPLys relative to methionine derived from H‐RPMet, the intestinal availability of RPLys was estimated to be 66.2%. In Experiment 2, 20 multiparous Holstein cows producing approximately 40 kg/day of milk were assigned to two treatments; fed RPLys (16 g/day as lysine) and RPMet (6.5 g/day as methionine) or none (control) from 5 to 21 weeks postpartum. The consumption of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber were significantly more in the control cows throughout the experimental period. Their milk protein yield, the contents of their milk protein and milk fat were higher by 0.03 kg (P = 0.03), 0.06% (P < 0.001) and 0.11% (P = 0.07), respectively, in the treatment group compared to the control. These results suggest that the RPLys and RPMet used in this study improved the lactation performance of dairy cows.     

Effect of replacing corn with brown rice grain in a total mixed ration silage on milk production,ruminal fermentation and nitrogen balance in lactating dairy cows

Nine multiparous Holstein cows were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design to determine the effects of substituting corn grain with brown rice (BR) grain in total mixed ration (TMR) silage on milk yield, ruminal fermentation and nitrogen (N) balance. The TMR silages were made from the ensiling of TMR containing (dry matter basis) 50.1% forage in rice silage and corn silage combination, and 49.9% concentrate. The grain portion of the diets contained 31.2% steam‐flaked corn, 31.2% steam‐flaked BR or an equal mixture of corn and BR. Dietary treatments did not affect dry matter intake, milk yield and milk fat, protein and lactose yields. The ruminal pH and total volatile fatty acid concentrations were not affected by dietary treatment. The urinary N excretion decreased linearly (P < 0.01) in response to increased levels of BR, with no dietary effect on N intake, N secretion in milk and fecal N excretion. Our results indicate that steam‐flaked BR is a suitable replacement for steam‐flaked corn in dairy cow diets, and that it can be included in rations to a level of at least 31.2% of dry matter without adverse effects on milk production, when cows were fed rice silage and corn silage‐based diets.