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Zhang S, Wang J, Lu S, Chaudhry AS, Tarla D, Khanaki H, Raja IH, Shan A. Effects of Sweet and Forge Sorghum Silages Compared to Maize Silage without Additional Grain Supplement on Lactation Performance and Digestibility of Lactating Dairy Cows. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1702. [PMID: 38891748 PMCID: PMC11171229 DOI: 10.3390/ani14111702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of replacing maize silage (MZS) with high-sugar sorghum silage (HSS) or forage sorghum silage (FSS) without additional grain supplement in the diets of dairy cows on nutrient digestibility, milk composition, nitrogen (N) use, and rumen fermentation. Twenty-four Chinese Holstein cows (545 ± 42.8 kg; 21.41 ± 0.62 kg milk yield; 150 ± 5.6 days in milk) were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments (n = 8 cows/treatment). The cows were fed ad libitum total mixed rations containing (dry matter basis) either 40% MZS (MZS-based diet), 40% HSS (HSS-based diet), or 40% FSS (FSS-based diet). The study lasted for 42 days, with 14 days devoted to adaptation, 21 days to daily feed intake and milk production, and 7 days to the sampling of feed, refusals, feces, urine, and rumen fluid. Milk production was measured twice daily, and digestibility was estimated using the method of acid-insoluble ash. The data were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA in SPSS 22.0 according to a completely randomized design. Dietary treatments were used as fixed effects and cows as random effects. The results indicate that MZS and HSS had greater crude protein but less neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), and a lower pH than FSS (p ≤ 0.04). High starch contents in MZS and water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) contents in HSS were observed (p < 0.01). While the highest starch intake was observed for the MZS-based diet, the highest WSC intake was noted for the HSS-based diet, and the highest NDF, ADF, ADL intake was observed for the FSS-based diet (p ≤ 0.05). The diets, including MZS and HSS, had greater digestibility than that of FSS (p ≤ 0.03). Feeding MZS- and HSS-based diets increased the yield, fat, and protein content of the milk, as well as feed conversion efficiency (p ≤ 0.03). However, feeding the MZS- and HSS-based diets decreased the contents of milk urea N, urinary urea N, and urinary N excretion more than the FSS-based diet (p ≤ 0.05). The N use efficiency tended to increase relative to diets containing MZS and HSS compared with FSS (p = 0.06 and p = 0.09). Ruminal ammonia-N and pH were lower, but total volatile fatty acids, acetate, and propionate were higher in cows fed the HSS- and MZS-based diets compared to those fed the FSS-based diet (p ≤ 0.03). It appears as though replacing MZS with HSS in the diet of cows without additional grain supplements has no negative influence on feed intake, milk yield, N utilization, or ruminal fermentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujiang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tarim Animal Husbandry Science and Technology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar 843300, China;
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Grass Resources Utilization around Tarim, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Areas (Co-Construction by Ministries and Provinces), Tarim University, Alar 843300, China
| | - Jiao Wang
- College of Life Sciences and Technology, Tarim University, Alar 843300, China;
| | - Shunping Lu
- Key Laboratory of Tarim Animal Husbandry Science and Technology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar 843300, China;
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Grass Resources Utilization around Tarim, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Areas (Co-Construction by Ministries and Provinces), Tarim University, Alar 843300, China
| | - Abdul Shakoor Chaudhry
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK;
| | - Divine Tarla
- School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Dookie College, VIC 3647, Australia; (D.T.); (H.K.)
| | - Hassan Khanaki
- School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Dookie College, VIC 3647, Australia; (D.T.); (H.K.)
| | - Imtiaz Hussain Raja
- Department of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Animal Production and Technology, Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan;
| | - Anshan Shan
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China;
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2
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Laroche JP, Gervais R, Lapierre H, Ouellet DR, Tremblay GF, Halde C, Boucher MS, Charbonneau É. Milk production and efficiency of utilization of nitrogen, metabolizable protein, and amino acids are affected by protein and energy supplies in dairy cows fed alfalfa-based diets. J Dairy Sci 2021; 105:329-346. [PMID: 34635363 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-20923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Alfalfa has a lower fiber digestibility and a greater concentration of degradable protein than grasses. Dairy cows could benefit from an increased digestibility of alfalfa fibers, or from a better match between nitrogen and energy supplies in the rumen. Alfalfa cultivars with improved fiber digestibility represent an opportunity to increase milk production, but no independent studies have tested these cultivars under the agroclimatic conditions of Canada. Moreover, decreasing metabolizable protein (MP) supply could increase N use efficiency while decreasing environmental impact, but it is often associated with a decrease in milk protein yield, possibly caused by a reduced supply of essential AA. This study evaluated the performance of dairy cows fed diets based on a regular or a reduced-lignin alfalfa cultivar and measured the effect of energy levels at low MP supply when digestible His (dHis), Lys (dLys), and Met (dMet) requirements were met. Eight Holstein cows were used in a double 4 × 4 Latin square design, each square representing an alfalfa cultivar. Within each square, 4 diets were tested: the control diet was formulated for an adequate supply of MP and energy (AMP_AE), whereas the 3 other diets were formulated to be deficient in MP (DMP; formulated to meet 90% of the MP requirement) with deficient (94% of requirement: DMP_DE), adequate (99% of requirement: DMP_AE), or excess energy supply (104% of requirement; DMP_EE). Alfalfa cultivars had no significant effect on all measured parameters. As compared with cows receiving AMP_AE, the dry matter intake of cows fed DMP_AE and DMP_EE was not significantly different but decreased for cows fed DMP_DE. The AMP_AE diet provided 103% of MP and 108% of NEL requirements whereas DMP_DE, DMP_AE, and DMP_EE diets provided 84, 87, and 87% of MP and 94, 101, and 107% of NEL requirements, respectively. In contrast to design, feeding DMP_EE resulted in a similar energy supply compared with AMP_AE, although MP supply has been effectively reduced. This resulted in a maintained milk and milk component yields and improved the efficiency of utilization of N, MP, and essential AA. The DMP diets decreased total N excretion, whereas DMP_AE and DMP_EE diets also decreased milk urea-N concentration. Reducing MP supply without negative effects on dairy cow performance is possible when energy, dHis, dLys, and dMet requirements are met. This could reduce N excretion and decrease the environmental impact of milk production.
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Affiliation(s)
- J-P Laroche
- Département des Sciences Animales, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada, G1V 0A6; Lactanet, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, Canada, H9X 3R4
| | - R Gervais
- Département des Sciences Animales, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada, G1V 0A6
| | - H Lapierre
- Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada, J1M 0C8
| | - D R Ouellet
- Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada, J1M 0C8
| | - G F Tremblay
- Quebec Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Québec, QC, Canada, G1V 2J3
| | - C Halde
- Département de Phytologie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada, G1V 0A6
| | - M-S Boucher
- Département de Phytologie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada, G1V 0A6
| | - É Charbonneau
- Département des Sciences Animales, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada, G1V 0A6.
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So S, Wanapat M, Cherdthong A. Effect of sugarcane bagasse as industrial by-products treated with Lactobacillus casei TH14, cellulase and molasses on feed utilization, ruminal ecology and milk production of mid-lactating Holstein Friesian cows. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2021; 101:4481-4489. [PMID: 33454981 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.11087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study aimed to evaluate the effect of Lactobacillus casei TH14, cellulase, and molasses combination fermented sugarcane bagasse (SB) as an exclusive roughage source in the total mixed ration (TMR) for mid-lactation 75% crossbred Holstein cows on feed intake, digestibility, ruminal ecology, milk yield and milk composition. Four multiparous mid-lactation crossbred (75% Holstein Friesian and 25% Thai native breed) dairy cows of 439 ± 16 kg body weight, 215 ± 5 days in milk and average milk yield 10 ± 2 kg d-1 were assigned to a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The unfermented SB (SB-TMR), SB fermented with cellulase and molasses (CM-TMR), SB fermented with L. casei TH14 and molasses (LM-TMR), and SB fermented with L. casei TH14, cellulase and molasses (LCM-TMR) were used as dietary treatments. RESULTS CM-TMR, LM-TMR and LCM-TMR significantly (P < 0.01) increased dry matter and fiber digestibility, gross energy and metabolizable energy intake (P < 0.05), blood glucose, total volatile fatty acids (P < 0.05), propionic acid and milk yield, but decreased ammonia, acetic acid, acetic:propionic ratio and methane production (P < 0.05) when compared with the SB-TMR. Compared with fermented SB treatments, LCM-TMR had lower (P < 0.05) ruminal ammonia and greater blood glucose (P < 0.01); LCM-TMR showed (P < 0.05) greater volatile fatty acids, propionic acid, milk yield and total solids, and lower acetic:propionic ratio (P < 0.01); methane, protozoa and somatic cell count were found to be lowest in LCM-TMR. CONCLUSION Combination of L. casei TH14 and additives (LCM-TMR) effectively enhanced feed use, rumen ecology and milk production of Holstein Friesian cows. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarong So
- Tropical Feed Resources Research and Development Center (TROFREC), Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Metha Wanapat
- Tropical Feed Resources Research and Development Center (TROFREC), Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Anusorn Cherdthong
- Tropical Feed Resources Research and Development Center (TROFREC), Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
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Ghelichkhan M, Eun JS, Christensen RG, Stott RD, MacAdam JW. Urine volume and nitrogen excretion are altered by feeding birdsfoot trefoil compared with alfalfa in lactating dairy cows1. J Anim Sci 2020; 96:3993-4001. [PMID: 29982473 DOI: 10.1093/jas/sky259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Legumes that contain condensed tannins may have lower ruminal protein degradation than alfalfa. The present study investigated the effects of feeding birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) hay on lactational performance and N utilization and excretion. Eight multiparous Holstein cows in midlactation (150 ± 22.3 d-in-milk) were randomly assigned to 2 treatments [alfalfa hay-based total mixed ration (AHT) or birdsfoot trefoil hay-based total mixed ration (BHT)] in a crossover design with 2 experimental periods. Each experimental period lasted 17 d (14 d of adaptation and 3 d of sampling and total collection). Hays comprised approximately 50% of DM in experimental diets. There were no treatment effects on dry matter intake (DMI; 21.4 vs. 20.7 kg/d), milk yield (29.4 vs. 28.1 kg/d), milk fat concentration (3.20% vs. 3.21%), and milk protein concentration (3.20% vs. 3.16%) for AHT and BHT, respectively. In addition, dietary treatments did not affect milk yield/DMI or energy-corrected milk yield/DMI. In contrast, apparent crude protein digestion decreased in cows fed BHT compared with those fed AHT (60.7% vs. 69.1%). Concentration of milk urea-N decreased by feeding BHT compared with AHT (11.9 vs. 13.3 mg/100 mL), whereas total N excretion did not differ between AHT and BHT diets. However, cows fed BHT excreted more N in feces (194 vs. 168 g/d), whereas urinary N excretion was lower compared with cows fed AHT. The shift of N to feces resulted in a decrease in urinary N:fecal N ratio in cows fed BHT relative to those fed AHT. Overall results in the current study suggest that feeding birdsfoot trefoil in dairy diets shifts routes of N from urine to feces compared with feeding alfalfa hay, with little effect on lactational performance. Reduction in urinary N and any impact on environment may be attributed to functional effect of condensed tannins in birdsfoot trefoil hay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ghelichkhan
- Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT
| | - Jong-Su Eun
- Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT
| | - Rachael G Christensen
- Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT
| | - Rusty D Stott
- Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT
| | - Jennifer W MacAdam
- Department of Plants, Soils, and Climate, Utah State University, Logan, UT
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5
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Coons EM, Fredin SM, Cotanch KW, Dann HM, Ballard CS, Brouillette JP, Grant RJ. Influence of a novel bm3 corn silage hybrid with floury kernel genetics on lactational performance and feed efficiency of Holstein cows. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:9814-9826. [PMID: 31447165 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-16786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Dry matter intake, lactation performance, and chewing behavior of multiparous Holstein cows (n = 15) fed diets containing a novel bm3 corn silage hybrid with floury kernel genetics were compared with cows fed diets containing commercially available conventional and bm3 hybrids using a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design with 28-d periods. Cows were housed in tiestalls, milked 3 times/d, and fed a total mixed ration containing 49.0% (dry matter basis) of (1) a conventional corn silage hybrid (CONV); (2) a brown midrib bm3 hybrid (BMR); or (3) a bm3 hybrid with floury kernel genetics (BMRFL). All diets contained 6.3% hay crop silage and 44.7% concentrate. Dietary nutrient composition averaged 32.7% neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and 26.3 starch (% of dry matter). Data were analyzed by ANOVA using the MIXED procedure in SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). The dry matter intake was greater for cows fed BMR (28.0 kg/d) compared with CONV (26.8 kg/d), whereas dry matter intake for cows fed BMRFL was intermediate (27.6 kg/d). Energy-corrected milk (ECM) yield was greater for cows fed BMR (50.3 kg/d) and BMRFL (51.8 kg/d) compared with CONV (47.2 kg/d). Milk fat yield was higher for cows fed BMRFL (1.87 kg/d) compared with CONV (1.74 kg/d) and BMR (1.80 kg/d). Milk protein yield was greater for cows fed BMR (1.49 kg/d) and BMRFL (1.54 kg/d) compared with CONV (1.36 kg/d). Milk urea-N was reduced for cows fed BMR (11.61 mg/dL) and BMRFL (11.16 mg/dL) compared with CONV (13.60 mg/dL). Feed efficiency (ECM/dry matter intake) was higher for cows fed BMRFL (1.87) compared with CONV (1.76) and BMR (1.79). Milk N efficiency was greatest for cows fed BMRFL (40.4%) followed by BMR (38.1%) and finally CONV (35.3%). Cows fed CONV chewed 5 min more per kilograms of NDF consumed than cows fed either of the BMR hybrids. No differences were observed among diets in apparent total-tract digestibility of NDF (58.1%) or starch (99.3%). Overall lactational performance was enhanced for cows fed diets containing both BMR and BMRFL hybrids versus CONV. In addition, feeding the BMRFL corn silage improved efficiency of component-corrected milk production and milk N efficiency compared with the CONV and BMR silages.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M Coons
- William H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute, Chazy, NY 12921
| | - S M Fredin
- William H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute, Chazy, NY 12921
| | - K W Cotanch
- William H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute, Chazy, NY 12921
| | - H M Dann
- William H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute, Chazy, NY 12921
| | - C S Ballard
- William H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute, Chazy, NY 12921
| | | | - R J Grant
- William H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute, Chazy, NY 12921.
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Fagundes M, Yang S, Eun JS, Hall J, Moon J, Park J. Influence of supplementing a methionine derivative, N-acetyl-l-methionine, in dairy diets on production and ruminal fermentation by lactating cows during early to mid lactation. J Dairy Sci 2018; 101:7082-7094. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-14130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2017] [Accepted: 03/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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7
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Jia C, Wu X, Chen M, Wang Y, Liu X, Gong P, Xu Q, Wang X, Gao H, Wang Z. Identification of genetic loci associated with crude protein and mineral concentrations in alfalfa (Medicago sativa) using association mapping. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2017; 17:97. [PMID: 28583066 PMCID: PMC5460482 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-017-1047-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is one of the most important legume forage species in China and many other countries of the world. It provides a quality source of proteins and minerals to animals. Genetic underpinnings for these important traits, however, are elusive. An alfalfa (M. sativa) association mapping study for six traits, namely crude protein (CP), rumen undegraded protein (RUP), and four mineral elements (Ca, K, Mg and P), was conducted in three consecutive years using a large collection encompassing 336 genotypes genotyped with 85 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. RESULTS All the traits were significantly influenced by genotype, environment, and genotype × environment interaction. Eight-five significant associations (P < 0.005) were identified. Among these, five associations with Ca were repeatedly observed and six co-localized associations were identified. CONCLUSIONS The identified marker alleles significantly associated with the traits provided important information for understanding genetic controls of alfalfa quality. The markers could be used in assisting selection for the individual traits in breeding populations for developing new alfalfa cultivars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congjun Jia
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Xinming Wu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Shanxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Taiyuan, 030032 China
| | - Min Chen
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Yunqi Wang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Shanxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Taiyuan, 030032 China
| | - Xiqiang Liu
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Pan Gong
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Qingfang Xu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801 China
| | - Xuemin Wang
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Hongwen Gao
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Zan Wang
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193 China
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8
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Hassanat F, Gervais R, Benchaar C. Methane production, ruminal fermentation characteristics, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen excretion, and milk production of dairy cows fed conventional or brown midrib corn silage. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100:2625-2636. [PMID: 28161179 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2016-11862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 12/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to examine the effect of replacing conventional corn silage (CCS) with brown midrib corn silage (BMCS) in dairy cow diets on enteric CH4 emission, nutrient intake, digestibility, ruminal fermentation characteristics, milk production, and N excretion. Sixteen rumen-cannulated lactating cows used in a crossover design (35-d periods) were fed (ad libitum) a total mixed ration (forage:concentrate ratio = 65:35, dry matter basis) based (59% dry matter) on either CCS or BMCS. Dry matter intake and milk yield increased when cows were fed BMCS instead of CCS. Of the milk components, only milk fat content slightly decreased when cows were fed the BMCS-based diet compared with when fed the CCS-based diet (3.81 vs. 3.92%). Compared with CCS, feeding BMCS to cows increased yields of milk protein and milk fat. Ruminal pH, protozoa numbers, total VFA concentration, and molar proportions of acetate and propionate were similar between cows fed BMCS and those fed CCS. Daily enteric CH4 emission (g/d) was unaffected by dietary treatments, but CH4 production expressed as a proportion of gross energy intake or on milk yield basis was lower for cows fed the BMCS-based diet than for cows fed the CCS-based diet. A decline in manure N excretion and a shift in N excretion from urine to feces were observed when BMCS replaced CCS in the diet, suggesting reduced potential of manure N volatilization. Results from this study show that improving fiber quality of corn silage in dairy cow diets through using brown midrib trait cultivar can reduce enteric CH4 emissions as well as potential emissions of NH3 and N2O from manure. However, CH4 emissions during manure storage may increase due to excretion of degradable OM when BMCS diet is fed, which merits further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Hassanat
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, 2000 College Street, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada J1M 0C8
| | - R Gervais
- Département des Sciences Animales, Université Laval, 2425, rue de l'Agriculture, Quebec, QC, Canada G1V 0A6
| | - C Benchaar
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, 2000 College Street, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada J1M 0C8.
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Saunders CS, Yang SY, Eun JS, Feuz DM, ZoBell DR. Feeding a brown midrib corn silage-based diet to growing beef steers improves growth performance and economic returns. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2015. [DOI: 10.4141/cjas-2015-057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Saunders, C. S., Yang, S. Y., Eun, J.-S., Feuz, D. M. and ZoBell, D. R. 2015. Feeding a brown midrib corn silage-based diet to growing beef steers improves growth performance and economic returns. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 95: 625–631. A feedlot experiment was performed to determine growth performance, ruminal fermentation characteristics, and economic returns for growing beef steers when fed a brown midrib corn silage-based total mixed ration (BMRT) compared with a conventional corn silage-based total mixed ration (CCST). Twenty-four Angus crossbred steers (initial body weight=258±23.2 kg) in individual pens were used in a completely randomized design (n=12). Intake of dry matter was not different between the treatments. Steers fed the BMRT tended to have greater average daily gain (1.54 vs. 1.42 kg d−1; P=0.09) and gain-to-feed ratio (0.165 vs. 0.146; P=0.07) compared with those fed the CCST. Feeding the BMRT increased total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration (P=0.01) compared with the CCST, while it decreased molar proportion of acetate (P<0.01), and increased propionate proportion (P=0.01), resulting in decreased acetate-to-propionate ratio compared with the CCST (P<0.01). Steers fed the BMRT increased feed margin (P=0.05) and net return (P=0.02) compared with those fed the CCST throughout the trial. Overall results of this study indicate that feeding the BMRT to growing beef steers enhanced ruminal fermentation and beneficially shifted VFA profiles, which contributed to improved growth and economic performance of steers.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. S. Saunders
- Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - S. Y. Yang
- Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - J.-S. Eun
- Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - D. M. Feuz
- Department of Applied Economics, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - D. R. ZoBell
- Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
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Vanderwerff L, Ferraretto L, Shaver R. Brown midrib corn shredlage in diets for high-producing dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2015; 98:5642-52. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2015-9543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 04/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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11
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Ferraretto L, Shaver R. Effects of whole-plant corn silage hybrid type on intake, digestion, ruminal fermentation, and lactation performance by dairy cows through a meta-analysis. J Dairy Sci 2015; 98:2662-75. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2014-9045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 12/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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12
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Neal K, Eun JS, Young AJ, Mjoun K, Hall JO. Feeding protein supplements in alfalfa hay-based lactation diets improves nutrient utilization, lactational performance, and feed efficiency of dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2014; 97:7716-28. [PMID: 25262186 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2014-8033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2014] [Accepted: 08/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Due to the increasing cost of soybean meal and concerns of excess N being excreted into the environment, new protein supplements have been developed. Two products that have shown potential in increasing N utilization efficiency are slow-release urea (SRU; Optigen; Alltech Inc., Nicholasville, KY) and ruminal-escape protein derived from yeast (YMP; DEMP; Alltech Inc.). The objective of this study was to assess the effects of feeding these 2 supplements in alfalfa hay-based [45.7% of forage dietary dry matter (DM)] dairy diets on nutrient utilization, feed efficiency, and lactational performance of dairy cows. Twelve multiparous dairy cows were used in a triple 4 × 4 Latin square design with one square consisting of ruminally cannulated cows. Treatments included (1) control, (2) SRU-supplemented total mixed ration (SRUT), (3) YMP-supplemented total mixed ration (YMPT), and (4) SRU- and YMP-supplemented total mixed ration (SYT). The control consisted only of a mixture of soybean meal and canola meal in a 50:50 ratio. The SRU and the YMP were supplemented at 0.49 and 1.15% DM, respectively. The experiment consisted of 4 periods lasting 28 d each (21 d of adaptation and 7 d of sampling). Cows fed YMPT and SYT had decreased intake of DM, and all supplemented treatments had lower crude protein intake compared with those fed the control. Milk yield tended to have the greatest increase in YMPT compared with the control (41.1 vs. 39.7 kg/d) as well as a tendency for increased milk fat and protein yields. Feed efficiencies based on yields of milk, 3.5% fat-corrected milk, and energy-corrected milk increased at 10 to 16% due to protein supplementation. Cows fed protein supplements partitioned less energy toward body weight gain, but tended to partition more energy toward milk production. Efficiency of use of feed N to milk N increased by feeding SRUT and YMPT, and milk N-to-manure N ratio increased with YMPT. Overall results from this experiment indicate that replacing the mixture of soybean meal and canola meal with SRU and YMP in alfalfa hay-based dairy diets can be a good approach to improve nutrient utilization efficiencies in lactating dairy cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Neal
- Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan 84322
| | - J-S Eun
- Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan 84322.
| | - A J Young
- Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan 84322
| | - K Mjoun
- Alltech, Brookings, SD 57006
| | - J O Hall
- Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan 84322
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13
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Akins MS, Shaver RD. Influence of corn silage hybrid type on lactation performance by Holstein dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2014; 97:7811-20. [PMID: 25282412 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2014-8400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2014] [Accepted: 08/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The primary objective of this study was to determine lactation performance by dairy cows fed nutridense (ND), dual-purpose (DP), or brown midrib (BM) corn silage hybrids at the same concentration in the diets. A secondary objective was to determine lactation performance by dairy cows fed NutriDense corn silage at a higher concentration in the diet. One hundred twenty-eight Holstein and Holstein × Jersey cows (105 ± 38 d in milk) were stratified by breed and parity and randomly assigned to 16 pens of 8 cows each. Pens were then randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments. Three treatment total mixed rations (TMR; DP40, BM40, and ND40) contained 40% of dry matter (DM) from the respective corn silage hybrid and 20% of DM from alfalfa silage. The fourth treatment TMR had ND corn silage as the sole forage at 65% of DM (ND65). A 2-wk covariate adjustment period preceded the treatment period, with all pens receiving a TMR with equal proportions of DP40, BM40, and ND40. Following the covariate period, cows were fed their assigned treatment diets for 11 wk. nutridense corn silage had greater starch and lower neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content than DP or BM, resulting in ND40 having greater energy content (73.2% of total digestible nutrients, TDN) than DP40 or BM40 (71.9 and 71.4% TDN, respectively). Cows fed BM40 had greater milk yield than DP40, whereas ND40 tended to have greater milk yield and had greater protein and lactose yields compared with DP40. No differences in intake, component-corrected milk yields, or feed efficiency were detected between DP40, BM40, and ND40. Milk yield differences may be due to increased starch intake for ND40 and increased digestible NDF intake for BM40 compared with DP40. Intake and milk yield and composition were similar for ND40 compared with BM40, possibly due to counteracting effects of higher starch intake for ND40 and higher digestible NDF intake for BM40. Feeding ND65 reduced intake, and thus milk and component yields, compared with ND40 due to either increased ruminal starch digestibility or increased rumen fill for ND65. Nutridense corn silage was a viable alternative to both DP and BM at 40% of diet DM; however, lactation performance was reduced when nutridense corn silage was fed at 65% of DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Akins
- School of Agriculture, University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Platteville 53818.
| | - R D Shaver
- Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706
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14
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Eun JS, Kelley AW, Neal K, Young AJ, Hall JO. Effects of altering alfalfa hay quality when feeding steam-flaked versus high-moisture corn grain on ruminal fermentation and lactational performance of dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2014; 97:7833-43. [PMID: 25262185 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2014-8425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2014] [Accepted: 08/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
This experiment was performed to test a hypothesis that nutritive benefits of feeding high-moisture corn (HMC) would be different when fed with different qualities of alfalfa hay (AH) due to associative effects on ruminal fermentation and nutrient utilization efficiency. Eight multiparous lactating Holstein cows were used; 4 were surgically fitted with ruminal cannulas. Days in milk averaged 184 ± 10.7 at the start of the experiment. The experiment was performed in a duplicate 4 × 4 Latin square design. Within each square, cows were randomly assigned to a sequence of 4 diets during each of the four 21-d periods (14 d of treatment adaptation and 7 d of data collection and sampling). A 2 × 2 factorial arrangement was used; fair-quality AH [FAH; 39.6% neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and 17.9% crude protein (CP)] or high-quality AH (HAH; 33.6% NDF and 21.9% CP) was combined with steam-flaked corn (SFC) or HMC to form 4 treatments: FAH with SFC, FAH with HMC, HAH with SFC, and HAH with HMC. The AH was fed at 32% dry matter (DM) content, whereas SFC or HMC was included at 17% DM content. Quality of AH did not affect DM intake, whereas feeding HMC decreased DM intake, regardless of quality of AH. Digestibility of DM was greater for cows fed HAH compared with those fed FAH (70.1 vs. 67.6%). Digestibility of NDF increased by feeding HMC (67.6 vs. 58.4%), but not by quality of AH. Under FAH, starch digestibility decreased by feeding HMC compared with SFC (85.7 vs. 95.0%), but it was similar under HAH, resulting in an interaction between quality of AH and type of corn grain (CG). Feeding different qualities of AH did not affect milk yield; however, feeding HMC decreased milk yield in FAH diet, causing an AH × CG interaction. Efficiency of milk yield/DM intake was improved due to feeding HMC, regardless of the quality of the AH. In addition, dietary N utilization for milk N tended to increase by feeding HMC, but it was not influenced by quality of AH. Yield of microbial protein increased by feeding HAH diets compared with FAH diets, whereas feeding the HMC diet increased microbial protein yield under the HAH diet, leading to an interaction between and AH and CG. Overall results in this experiment indicate that feeding HMC in AH-based diets improved feed efficiency as well as N utilization efficiency, regardless of quality of AH.
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Affiliation(s)
- J-S Eun
- Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan 84322.
| | - A W Kelley
- Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan 84322
| | - K Neal
- Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan 84322
| | - A J Young
- Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan 84322
| | - J O Hall
- Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan 84322
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