Effect of cereal straw and alfalfa hay diet on amino acid profile of gastrointestinal digesta in lactating dairy cows

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of replacing alfalfa hay with rice straw (RS) or corn stover (CS) on amino acid (AA) profiles of gastrointestinal digesta in lactating cows. Eighteen lactating dairy cows were randomly assigned to one of three groups (n = 6) and fed identical concentrate and corn silage with different forages on dry matter basis: (i) 23% alfalfa hay and 7% Chinese wild rye hay (AH); (ii) 30% CS; and (iii) 30% RS. After the 14‐week feeding, a total of 18 cows were slaughtered to collect digesta from four representative organs, including rumen, omasum, duodenum and jejunum. The AA profiles of ruminal microbial fraction were similar among the treatments, except for greater Arg in cows fed RS than in cows fed AH or CS. Most of the analysed AA changed under different diets. Significant differences were found among the microbial fraction, rumen fluid and rumen digesta, with greater essential AA in digesta than in microbial fraction or rumen fluid and greater essential AA in microbial fraction than rumen fluid. Significant differences in individual AA profiles of digesta and relevant fluid were found across the four representative digestive tract parts, including rumen, omasum, duodenum and jejunum, showing much lower Leu proportion in CS and RS than in AH in duodenal fluid. In summary, ruminal microbes may prefer using essential AA, rather than non‐essential AA. The AA profile of ruminal microbes was constant except for Arg. The AA composition of digesta across the four digestive tracts changed dramatically, which indicated differences in the ability and efficiency of AA absorption. The lower duodenum absorbable Leu proportion in cows fed CS or RS indicated the shortage of Leu in CS or RS diets, which might also restrict the balanced AA absorption.     

Amino acid profiles of rumen undegradable protein: a comparison between forages including cereal straws and alfalfa and their respective total mixed rations

Optimizing the amino acid (AA) profile of rumen undegradable protein (RUP) can positively affect the amount of milk protein. This study was conducted to improve knowledge regarding the AA profile of rumen undegradable protein from corn stover, rice straw and alfalfa hay as well as the total mixed ratio diets (TMR) based on one of them as forage source [forage‐to‐concentrate ratio of 45:55 (30% of corn stover (CS), 30% of rice straw (RS), 23% of alfalfa hay (AH) and dry matter basis)]. The other ingredients in the three TMR diets were similar. The RUP of all the forages and diets was estimated by incubation for 16 hr in the rumen of three ruminally cannulated lactating cows. All residues were corrected for microbial colonization, which was necessary in determining the AA composition of RUP from feed samples using in situ method. Compared with their original AA composition, the AA pattern of forages and forage‐based diets changed drastically after rumen exposure. In addition, the extent of ruminal degradation of analysed AA was not constant among the forages. The greatest individual AA degradability of alfalfa hay and corn stover was Pro, but was His of rice straw. A remarkable difference was observed between microbial attachment corrected and uncorrected AA profiles of RUP, except for alfalfa hay and His in the three forages and TMR diets. The ruminal AA degradability of cereal straws was altered compared with alfalfa hay but not for the TMR diets. In summary, the AA composition of forages and TMR‐based diets changed significantly after ruminal exposure, indicating that the original AA profiles of the feed cannot represent its AA composition of RUP. The AA profile of RUP and ruminal AA degradability for corn stover and rice straw contributed to missing information in the field.     

稻草或玉米秸秆替代苜蓿对奶牛氮代谢、血清生理生化指标及肝脏和肾脏组织形态变化的影响

本试验旨在研究稻草或玉米秸秆替代苜蓿对奶牛氮代谢、血清生理生化指标及肝脏和肾脏组织形态变化的影响。选择45头泌乳中期的经产健康荷斯坦奶牛,随机分成3组,每组15头牛。各组饲喂含不同粗饲料的饲粮,分别为苜蓿组(23%苜蓿干草+7%羊草,AH组)、玉米秸秆组(30%玉米秸秆,CS组)和稻草组(30%稻草,RS组),饲粮精粗比均为55∶45。试验期12周。结果表明:CS组和RS组奶牛的粪氮排泄量显著高于AH组(P0.05),RS组奶牛的尿氮排泄量显著高于AH组和CS组(P0.05)。RS组奶牛的血清尿素氮和肌酸酐含量显著高于AH组(P0.05)。RS组奶牛的血清总胆固醇含量显著高于AH组和CS组(P0.05)。CS组奶牛的血清谷丙转氨酶活性显著高于AH组(P0.05),而血清谷草转氨酶活性显著高于AH组和RS组(P0.05)。各组奶牛的肝脏、肾脏组织切片结构清晰,未见明显异常。由此可见,饲喂玉米秸秆或稻草粗饲料的奶牛粪氮、尿氮排泄量的增加导致奶牛氮的利用效率降低。各组奶牛肝脏和肾脏的组织形态无显著变化,但饲喂玉米秸秆或稻草饲粮可导致奶牛血清中反映肝脏、肾脏健康功能的指标升高。     

The effect of dietary ratios of corn silage and alfalfa hay on carbohydrate digestion and retention time of feed particles in the gastrointestinal tract of steers

Four Holstein steers fitted with duodenal cannula were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design to investigate the effect of the combination of corn silage (CS) and alfalfa hay (AH) in different ratios on the ruminal and intestinal digestion of carbohydrates and feed particle passage rate. Steers were fed mixed diets containing both CS and AH in ratios of 80:20, 60:40, 40:60 and 20:80 on a dry matter basis at 95% of ad libitum feed intake. The increase of AH proportion in diets increased dry matter intake and ruminal digestion of dry matter, non-fiber carbohydrate, neutral and acid detergent fiber linearly. Ruminal digestibility of neutral detergent fiber showed a quadratic response, and total digestibility increased linearly with increasing AH proportion. Digestibility of acid detergent fiber in the rumen was not affected by the dietary treatments, but the total tract digestibility increased as the AH proportion increased. Mean retention time of feed particles in total compartment increased when the AH proportion increased from 20% to 60%, but decreased with further increase of the AH proportion. These results indicate that moderate combinations of CS and AH have an associative effect on ruminal fiber digestion, modifying particle movement in the rumen.     

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。     

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.     

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...     

Effect of changing forage on the dynamic variation in rumen fermentation in sheep

To better understand rumen adaptation during dietary transitions between high‐ and low‐quality forages, 10 rumen‐cannulated Hu sheep were randomly allocated to two dietary treatments (five sheep each) with the same concentrate‐to‐forage ratio and concentration mixture, but different forage sequences: (i) alfalfa hay (AH) to corn stover (CS) and back to AH; and (ii) CS to AH and back to CS. A significant decrease in the rumen microbial protein concentration was observed on day 6 after dietary transition whether the transition was from AH to CS or from CS to AH, and this was accompanied by an increase in the ammonia nitrogen concentration as well as a decrease in the total volatile fatty acids concentration and pH. However, after transitioning back to the original forage, the rumen fermentation parameters returned to their initial levels within 2 weeks. Our findings suggest that abrupt substitutions of forages with large nutrient differences could influence rumen function to some extent, but recovery can occur within 2 weeks without detrimental effects. Furthermore, we speculate that the variation of fermentation in the first 6 days may indicate an important rumen transition stage that requires further study.     

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。     

不同精粗比日粮对围产期奶牛健康状况的影响

本试验研究了不同精粗比日粮对奶牛血液pH、尿液pH、采食量及产后瘫痪、胎衣不下、产褥热等健康指标的影响。选择10头预产期相同,体重、体况相近的中国荷斯坦奶牛,随机分为2组,试验1组(CS组)饲喂以玉米秸秆为粗饲料来源的日粮,日粮精粗比接近6:4;试验2组(MF组)饲喂以羊草、苜蓿和玉米青贮为粗饲料来源的日粮,日粮精粗比接近4:6。试验结果显示,CS处理组奶牛产前、产后干物质采食量均极显著高于MF组(P<0.01),且CS处理组奶牛产后干物质采食量增长较快、幅度较大。另外,试验结果还发现,MF处理组尿液pH显著高于CS处理组(P<0.05),两处理组奶牛产前、产后血液pH没有差异(P>0.05)。此外,MF处理组产后疾病的发生率显著高于CS组。试验结果表明,围产期奶牛饲喂精料水平较高的日粮对奶牛产后的健康状况更加有利。     

Roughage sources in beef cattle finishing diets.

In four feeding trials with beef steers, corn silage (CS), alfalfa hay (AH), and alfalfa silage (AS) were compared as roughage sources in dry-rolled (DRC); dry whole (DWC); ground, high-moisture (GHMC); and whole, high-moisture corn (WHMC) fattening diets. In processed corn diets (DRC and GHMC), steers fed CS had lower DMI (P less than .05) and feed:gain ratios (P less than .10) than steers fed AS as the roughage source. In a separate trial, greater gains (P less than .10) and lower feed:gain ratios (P less than .05) were found during the initial feeding period, which included the adaptation phase, for steers fed CS vs steers fed AH as the roughage source. Over the entire feeding period, lower (corn type x roughage source interaction, P less than .05) feed:gain ratios were found in GHMC diets when CS was fed as the roughage source; feed:gain ratios were similar in steers fed DRC diets containing either CS or AH. Over the entire feeding period, similar performance was found among steers fed the various roughage sources in DWC diets; however, with WHMC diets, steers fed AS as the roughage source had lower feed:gain ratios than did steers fed AH (P less than .05) or CS (P greater than .10). In the processed corn diets, high correlations were found between diet NDF digestibility and gain (r = .80), intake (r = .68), and feed:gain ratios (r = -.66); similar trends were found in WHMC diets but not in DWC diets. These results suggest that the ideal roughage source to complement finishing diets may depend on corn processing method and feeding period (adaptation vs finishing).     

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。     

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.     

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。     

Effects of different forage combinations in total mixed rations on in vitro gas production kinetics,ruminal and milk fatty acid profiles of lactating cows

This study aimed to determine the effects of different forage combinations on in vitro gas production (GP) kinetics, ruminal and milk fatty acid profiles. Forty‐five lactating cows were randomly arranged into three groups and fed three total mixed rations (TMRs) with different forage combinations: TMR1, 23% alfalfa hay, 7% Chinese wild ryegrass hay and 15% whole corn silage; TMR2, 30% corn stover plus 15% whole corn silage; TMR3, 30% rice straw plus 15% whole corn silage. In vitro dry matter disappearance ranked: TMR1 > TMR2 > TMR3, and highest cumulative GP and asymptotic GP occurred in TMR1 while no difference occurred between TMR2 and TMR3. The average GP rate ranked: TMR1 > TMR2 > TMR3. TMR1 in comparison with TMR2 and TMR3 presented lower rumen contents of acetate and butyrate and greater rumen contents of propionate, valerate, C13:0, C14:0, C15:0, C18:1cis‐9, C18:2n‐6, C18:3n‐3, C20:0 and C22:0 as well as milk C18:2n‐6 and C18:3n‐3 proportions. Transfer efficiencies of C18:2n‐6 and C18:3n‐3 from diet to milk ranked: TMR1 > TMR2 > TMR3. The findings suggest TMRs containing alfalfa hay and Chinese wild ryegrass hay in comparison with corn stover or rice straw improve rumen fermentation and transfer efficiency of C18:2n‐6 and C18:3n‐3.     

粗饲料组合对奶牛饲粮养分消化率、能量和氮的利用的影响

本试验旨在研究粗饲料组合对奶牛饲粮养分消化率、能量和氮的利用的影响。试验采用单因素随机区组设计,将 １６头体重、年龄、胎次相近的,处于干奶期的健康荷斯坦奶牛分为 ４组,每组 ４头。以常用的粗饲料设计 Ａ（玉米青贮 ＋玉米秸秆）、Ｂ（玉米青贮 ＋羊草）、Ｃ（玉米青贮 ＋玉米秸秆 ＋羊草）、Ｄ（玉米青贮 ＋苜蓿草 ＋羊草）４种粗饲料组合的饲粮。结果表明：饲粮Ｄ干物质、有机物和中性洗涤纤维的消化率最高,显著高于其他各饲粮（Ｐ＜０．０５）,其次为饲粮Ｂ和饲粮 Ｃ,饲粮 Ａ最低,显著低于其他各饲粮（Ｐ＜０．０５）,各饲粮的酸性洗涤纤维消化率差异不显著（Ｐ＞０．０５）。粗饲料组合显著影响饲粮摄入总能、能量消化率和能量代谢率（Ｐ＜０．０５）,饲粮 Ｄ甲烷能占摄入总能比显著低于其他 ３种饲粮（Ｐ＜０．０５）。各饲粮的粪氮、尿氮占摄入总氮比差异不显著（Ｐ＞０．０５）,饲粮 Ｄ的氮消化率显著高于饲粮 Ｂ与饲粮 Ｃ（Ｐ＜０．０５）,且饲粮 Ｂ显著高于饲粮 Ａ（Ｐ＜０．０５）;饲粮 Ｂ、饲粮 Ｄ的氮利用率显著高于饲粮 Ａ（Ｐ＜０．０５）。由此可见,玉米青贮 ＋苜蓿草 ＋羊草型饲粮的养分消化率、能量和氮的利用均优于其他各饲粮,羊草与玉米秸秆之间存在正组合效应,两者搭配使用可提高玉米秸秆的消化率,优化能量和氮的利用。     

Effects of grass hay proportion in a corn silage‐based diet on rumen digesta kinetics and digestibility in dairy cows

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of six levels of orchardgrass hay (GH) proportion (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% or 50% of dry matter) in finely chopped corn silage (CS)‐based diets on digesta kinetics of CS and GH in the rumen. Six non‐lactating, rumen‐cannulated Holstein cows were used in a 6 × 6 Latin square design. Ruminal digesta kinetics was measured by ruminal dosing of feed particle markers (dysprosium for CS, erbium for GH) followed by fecal sampling. The increase of GH proportion had a quadratic effect (P < 0.01) on total tract digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber. The proportion of GH did not affect the particle size distribution of rumen digesta, total weight of dry matter or NDF in the rumen. The rates of large particle size reduction in the rumen for CS tended to increase linearly with increasing GH proportion (P = 0.077). A quadratic effect (P < 0.05) was found with increasing the GH proportion for the ruminal passage rate of small GH particles, but not for CS particles. The results suggested that associative effects between CS and GH could be generated on rumen digesta kinetics when cows were fed a CS‐based diet with an increased proportion of GH.     

玉米秸秆饲粮条件下阴外动脉灌注氨基酸混合物对奶牛乳腺内短链脂肪酸摄取规律的影响

本试验采用动静脉血插管技术,以泌乳中期荷斯坦奶牛为研究对象,研究玉米秸秆饲粮条件下阴外动脉灌注氨基酸(AA)混合物对奶牛产奶性能、尾动脉血和乳静脉血中短链脂肪酸(SCFA)浓度及其比例以及乳腺内SCFA摄取规律的影响。采用2×2交叉试验设计,将体况良好、体重相近、日乳产量为(20.17±1.28)kg的8头经产(2~3胎)荷斯坦奶牛随机分为采食不同饲粮的2组[苜蓿组(MF组)和玉米秸秆组(CS组)],每组4头。2组奶牛饲喂的饲粮精粗比均为45∶55,精饲料组成相同,粗饲料组成不同,MF组粗饲料由苜蓿干草、玉米青贮和羊草组成,CS组以单一的玉米秸秆全部替代MF组饲粮中的粗饲料。试验分为2个阶段,每个阶段20 d,均分为饲粮适应期(预试期)14 d,载体灌注期3 d,正式灌注期3 d。在第1阶段,在载体灌注期,MF组奶牛接受载体灌注(阳性对照组1),CS组奶牛也接受载体灌注(对照组);在正式灌注期,MF组奶牛继续接受载体灌注(阳性对照组2),CS组奶牛接受AA混合物灌注;在第2阶段,将2组动物互换后处理方法同第1阶段。每个正式灌注期的最后2 d采集乳样和血样。结果显示:CS组奶牛阴外动脉灌注AA混合物可显著提高乳蛋白率(P0.05),对乳产量、4%乳脂校正乳(FCM)产量、乳脂率、乳脂产量、乳蛋白产量有一定促进效果,但部分指标仍然显著低于MF组(P0.05)。CS组奶牛阴外动脉灌注AA混合物可趋于显著地提高乳静脉血中乙酸的浓度(P=0.09),显著降低乳腺内乙酸的动静脉差(P0.05),缩小CS组与MF组奶牛在乳腺对乙酸的摄取量和摄取效率方面存在的差距。CS组奶牛阴外动脉灌注AA混合物对提高尾动脉血中乙酸/丙酸、(乙酸+丁酸)/丙酸有一定的促进效果(P0.05)。由此得出,以玉米秸秆为粗饲料的奶牛阴外动脉灌注AA混合物可显著提高乳蛋白率,增加乳静脉血中的乙酸浓度,同时缩小与以苜蓿干草、玉米青贮和羊草为粗饲料的奶牛在乳腺对乙酸的摄取量和摄取效率方面存在的差距。     

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。