Effects of dietary forage sources on rumen microbial protein synthesis and milk performance in early lactating dairy cows

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary forage sources on milk performance, rumen microbial protein synthesis, and N utilization in early lactation dairy cows. Twelve primiparous Chinese Holstein dairy cows (45±6.0 DIM) were used in a 3×3 Latin square design. Diets were is...

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Published inJournal of dairy science Vol. 96; no. 3; pp. 1727 - 1734
Main Authors Zhu, W., Fu, Y., Wang, B., Wang, C., Ye, J.A., Wu, Y.M., Liu, J.-X.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States Elsevier Inc 01.03.2013
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ISSN0022-0302
1525-3198
1529-9066
1525-3198
DOI10.3168/jds.2012-5756

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Summary:The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary forage sources on milk performance, rumen microbial protein synthesis, and N utilization in early lactation dairy cows. Twelve primiparous Chinese Holstein dairy cows (45±6.0 DIM) were used in a 3×3 Latin square design. Diets were isonitrogenous and isocaloric, with a forage-to-concentrate ratio of 45:55 [dry matter (DM) basis] and contained similar concentrate mixtures. Different forage sources were then added (on a DM basis): 21% corn silage, 19% corn stover, and 5% alfalfa hay (CS); 19% corn silage, 21% Chinese wild rye hay and 5% alfalfa hay (CWR); or 19% corn silage, 9% Chinese wild rye hay, and 17% alfalfa hay (AH). Each period lasted for 21d, with the first 14d for an adaptation period. Dry matter intake was not affected by the source of dietary forage. Milk yield was higher for cows fed AH than those fed CS, with an intermediate value for CWR. Milk protein content was higher in the cows fed AH compared with CWR (3.02 vs. 2.92%), with CS (2.95%) at an intermediate position. The contents of milk fat and lactose were not different among the treatments. However, milk efficiency (milk yield/DM intake) was higher for cows fed AH than those fed CS, with those fed CWR intermediate. Cows fed AH had higher microbial protein yield and metabolizable protein than those fed CS or CWR. The concentrations of urea N in the urine, blood, and milk were decreased for cows fed AH, indicating an increased N conversion. The results indicated that corn stover could replace Chinese wild rye grass in the diets for lactating cows and that a high proportion of alfalfa hay in the diet is beneficial for milk protein production by increasing microbial protein yield. This can be attributed to the improving the supply of rumen-available energy.
Bibliography:http://dx.doi.org/10.3168/jds.2012-5756
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ISSN:0022-0302
1525-3198
1529-9066
1525-3198
DOI:10.3168/jds.2012-5756