Top-dressing of chelated phytogenic feed additives in the diet of lactating Friesian cows to enhance feed utilization and lactational performance

Turmeric rhizomes reduced in vitro methane production and improved gas production and nutrient degradability

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of dry turmeric rhizomes on in vitro biogas production and diet fermentability. Turmeric rhizomes were included at gradually increased levels: 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2% of a diet containing per kg dr matter (DM): 500 g concentrate feed mixture, 400 g berseem hay and 100 g rice straw, and incubated for 48 h. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed that ar-turmerone, α-turmerone and β-turmerone were the major bioactive compounds in the rhizomes. Turmeric rhizomes increased (p < 0.01) asymptotic gas production (GP) and rate and lag of CH4 production and decreased (p < 0.01) rate of GP, lag of GP, asymptotic CH4 production and proportion of CH4 production. Turmeric rhizome administration linearly increased (p < 0.01) DM and fiber degradability and concentrations of total short-chain fatty acids, acetic and propionic acids and ammonia-N and quadratically (p < 0.05) decreased fermentation pH. It is concluded that including up to 2% turmeric rhizomes improved in vitro ruminal fermentation and decreased CH4 production.

Supplementing a Phytogenic Feed Additive Modulates the Risk of Subacute Rumen Acidosis, Rumen Fermentation and Systemic Inflammation in Cattle Fed Acidogenic Diets

Feeding with high-concentrate diets increases the risk of subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA). This experiment was conducted to evaluate whether supplementing a phytogenic feed additive based on L-menthol, thymol, eugenol, mint oil (Mentha arvensis) and cloves powder (Syzygium aromaticum) (PHY) can amend the ruminal fermentation profile, modulate the risk of SARA and reduce inflammation in cattle. The experiment was designed as a crossover design with nine non-lactating Holstein cows, and was conducted in two experimental runs. In each run, cows were fed a 100% forage diet one week (wk 0), and were then transitioned stepwise over one week (0 to 65% concentrate, wk adapt.) to a high concentrate diet that was fed for 4 weeks. Animals were fed diets either with PHY or without (CON). The PHY group had an increased ruminal pH compared to CON, reduced time to pH < 5.8 in wk 3, which tended to decrease further in wk 4, reduced the ruminal concentration of D-lactate, and tended to decrease total lactate (wk 3). In wk 2, PHY increased acetate, butyrate, isobutyrate, isovalerate, and the acetate to propionate ratio compared to CON. Phytogenic supplementation reduced inflammation compared to CON in wk 3. Overall, PHY had beneficial effects on ruminal fermentation, reduced inflammation, and modulated the risk of SARA starting from wk 3 of supplementation.

Vermikom feed additive effects on dairy cows' blood and milk parameters

Background and Aim

Dairy cattle breeding plays a significant role in providing the population with high-quality, reasonably priced goods. The development of this industry and its effectiveness depends on the proper use of available feed products. Feed additives (FAs), as a rule, should compensate for missing elements in the diet. This study aimed to determine the effect of the FA Vermikom on blood parameters, as well as milk physicochemical and mineral composition and yield in lactating dairy cows.

Materials and Methods

A total of 30 Holstein cows, with an average weight of 650±5 kg, were randomly divided into three groups of 10. Over a period of 5 months, each group was fed one of three diets: Mixed main diet without supplements (control), main diet supplemented with 2% Vermikom, and main diet supplemented with 4% Vermikom.

Results

Hematological parameters, productivity, and physicochemical and mineral composition of milk from animals provided the FA Vermikom were higher than those of the control group. In the Vermikom groups, the hemoglobin content was higher by 5.75%, calcium by an average of 10.8%, and total protein by 2.5%. The average daily milk yield was also higher by 8.4% than the control group. Regarding the mineral composition of the milk, the content of calcium, phosphorus, and iron exceeded that of the control on average by 2.9%, 3.4%, and 14.8%, respectively.

Conclusion

We propose introducing 4% Vermikom into the diet of dairy cows based on the study results. Future research will expand our knowledge regarding cows' needs for all recommended nutrients, thereby improving animal productivity and milk quality. The results obtained contribute to further expanding the food base of animal husbandry in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Fennel and Ginger Improved Nutrient Digestibility and Milk Yield and Quality in Early Lactating Egyptian Buffaloes

The supplementation with herbal and medicinal plants to animals showed positive effects on feed digestion, performance and animal’s health. Fifteen multiparous Egyptian buffaloes (537 ± 18.1 kg body weight), 7 days after parturition, were randomly assigned to 3 treatments in a quintupled 3 × 3 Latin square design in a 63-day experiment. Each experimental period lasted 21 days (15 days of adaptation + 7 days for measurements and samples collection). Buffaloes were assigned according to their previous milk production, weight and parity to study the effect of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) or ginger (Zingiber officinale) supplementation on feed utilization and lactational performance. Buffaloes were fed a basal diet of concentrates, berseem clover and rice straw in a ratio of 60:30:10 dry matter (DM) basis. The first group was fed the basal diet with no additive as the control treatment, while other buffaloes were fed on the basal diet supplemented with 75 g fennel or ginger/buffalo daily. Additives supplementation did not affect feed intake; however, fennel followed by ginger improved (P<0.05) dry matter, organic matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fiber digestibilities compared to the control. Without affecting blood chemistry, fennel and ginger supplementation improved (P<0.05) production of milk and energy corrected milk, fat concentration and milk energy content and output. Fennel followed by ginger decreased the somatic cell count (P=0.035) compared with the control. Fennel and ginger improved feed efficiency (P<0.05) compared with the control. Fennel increased the proportion of milk trans-10, cis-12 C18:2 (P=0.028), total conjugated linoleic acid without affecting other fatty acids. It is concluded that fennel or ginger at 75 g/buffalo/d improved nutrient digestibility and milk production of lactating buffaloes. Fennel improved milk nutritive value more than ginger.

Dietary strategies to enrich milk with healthy fatty acids – a review

Feed is the main factor impacting the composition and quality of milk of dairy animals. Therefore, the present review explores the effects of feed and nutrition on milk fat content and levels of healthy fatty acids (FA) in milk consumed by humans. Milk and dairy products are two main sources of healthy and unhealthy FA in human nutrition. The concentrations of FA in milk depend mainly on diets; therefore, milk FA concentrations and ratios can be greatly altered by some feeding strategies. Dietary supplementation of the diets of dairy livestock with vegetable seeds or oils, microalgae and phytogenic feed additives, and feeding of some grasses can enhance the contents of healthy FA, including n-3 FA, α-linolenic acid, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and, generally, unsaturated FA in milk and dairy products. Enrichment of milk with healthy FA may make milk a source of anticarcenogens (CLA and polyphenols) for human health. This review, therefore, focusses on the current research findings on enrichment of milk with healthy FA and summarizes some effective supplementation strategies to alter milk FA profile.