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Ribeiro RS, Silva AS, Diavão J, Sacramento JP, Minighin D, Tomich TR, Machado FS, Campos MM, Pereira LGR, Maurício RM, Chaves AV. Ration particle size has different effects on digestive but not production parameters in higher-yielding (Holstein) compared to lower-yielding (Girolando) cows. J DAIRY RES 2024; 91:25-30. [PMID: 38706314 DOI: 10.1017/s0022029924000207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of total mixed ration particle size (length) and breed of cow on intake dynamics, animal performance and CH4 emissions, comparing high yielding Holstein and low yielding Girolando cows. The experimental design was 2 × 2 Latin Square arranged as a crossover factorial scheme with two diets (short particle size, SPS and long particle size, LPS) and the two breed compositions. The design comprised two periods of 26 d each, where all data collection was performed at cow level. No influence of the particle size occurred for the passage rate, neutral detergent fiber digestibility, performance and milk composition, methane emissions or ruminal fermentation parameters. Girolando cows had greater dry matter intake (DMI) when fed SPS, while Holsteins had the same (P < 0.05). Girolando cows had lower dry matter digestibility when fed LPS compared to SPS, while Holsteins had the opposite effect (P < 0.05). Also, the digestibility of crude protein and non-fibrous carbohydrates decreased in Girolando cows fed LPS, but not in Holsteins (P < 0.05). Girolando cows reduced DMI by 10.6% when fed LPS diet (P < 0.05). Girolando had an increased eating rate (+24 g of DM/min; P < 0.05) compared to Holstein cows, but Holstein cows had a lower CH4 intensity (by 29.7%: P < 0.05). Girolando cows increased the dry matter intake when fed a diet with short particle size, while the same did not happen in Holsteins. Dry matter digestibility increased in Holsteins when fed long particle size, while the opposite was observed in Girolando cows. Nutrient digestibility was reduced in Girolando cows when fed short particle size. Particle size did not influence eating time, eating rate, feed trough visits, visits with intake, milk yield and composition regardless of the breed. Reducing particle size increased CH4 intensity in both breeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Sandin Ribeiro
- Department of Biosystems and Engineering, Federal University of São João del-Rei, São João del-Rei, MG, Brazil
| | | | | | - João Paulo Sacramento
- Department of Biosystems and Engineering, Federal University of São João del-Rei, São João del-Rei, MG, Brazil
| | - Duarte Minighin
- Department of Biosystems and Engineering, Federal University of São João del-Rei, São João del-Rei, MG, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Luiz Gustavo Ribeiro Pereira
- Embrapa Dairy Cattle, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Rogério Martins Maurício
- Department of Biosystems and Engineering, Federal University of São João del-Rei, São João del-Rei, MG, Brazil
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Coon RE, Tucker CB. Cattle are more motivated for a high-concentrate diet than Sudan grass hay, despite low reticulorumen pH. J Anim Sci 2024; 102:skae049. [PMID: 38401147 PMCID: PMC10957121 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skae049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) is characterized by chronic low ruminal pH, and occurs for feedlot cattle fed high-concentrate diets. Forages slow digestion and reduce acid production. We aimed to assess how motivated finishing cattle are to access forage (Sudan grass hay, SG) via their willingness to interact with an electrified barrier. Reticulorumen pH was measured to relate the results to digestive health. Twenty-eight animals fed a high-concentrate ration ad libitum had access to 4 L of one of two treatments (n = 14/treatment) fed 1×/d behind a barrier: 1) SG or 2) an additional offering of the normal ration (total mixed ration [TMR]). To access their treatment, the steer voluntarily pushed his muzzle against an electrified barrier. The electrical current was increased exponentially every 24 h (0, 156, 312, 625, 1,250, 2,500, 5,000 µA) until the animal ceased accessing it. Visits to the treatment were recorded continuously 24 h/d and reticulorumen pH was measured every 10 min. Time with a reticulorumen pH below 5.8 was 348 ± 101 and 280 ± 76 min/24 h for SG and TMR animals, respectively; these durations meet the criterion for SARA. However, animals with access to SG were less likely to advance to the next current than TMR animals (P < 0.01) and were approximately 3× less willing to interact with higher currents than TMR (mean maximum current touched: 469 ± 169 and 1,380 ± 254 μA, respectively, mean ± SE, P = 0.01). Lower motivation to access SG was further demonstrated through fewer visits to the SG (2.4 ± 0.4 vs. 5.3 ± 0.6 #/d, P < 0.01), and less SG consumed than TMR (32.0 ± 0.1 vs. 74.0 ± 0.0 %/d, P < 0.01, measured as % due to weight differences of SG and TMR). Overall, finishing cattle valued the TMR more than SG, likely because of differences in the quantity offered, palatability, and familiarity. When rumen health was considered, SG animals visited more often (r = 0.5, P = 0.09) and showed fewer failed attempts (r = -0.5, P = 0.06) to access forage as the severity and duration of pH depression below 5.6, for example, increased. No measures of treatment use were related to pH depression for TMR animals (P ≥ 0.31). These findings provide evidence that cattle are motivated for Sudan grass hay when experiencing chronic low reticulorumen pH. However, they also contribute to the mixed evidence about the motivation for forage in this life stage, because, overall TMR was valued more highly than SG. Despite widespread pH depression, TMR cattle contrafreeloaded for additional concentration, demonstrating unexpectedly high motivation for this resource.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael E Coon
- Center for Animal Welfare, Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95618, USA
| | - Cassandra B Tucker
- Center for Animal Welfare, Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95618, USA
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Oliveira LN, Pereira MAN, Oliveira CDS, Oliveira CC, Silva RB, Pereira RAN, DeVries TJ, Pereira MN. Effect of low dietary concentrations of Acacia mearnsii tannin extract on chewing, ruminal fermentation, digestibility, nitrogen partition, and performance of dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:3203-3216. [PMID: 37028971 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
The supplementation of dairy cows with tannins can reduce the ruminal degradation of dietary protein and urine N excretion, but high concentration in the diet can impair ruminal function, diet digestibility, feed intake, and milk yield. This study evaluated the effect of low concentrations (0, 0.14, 0.29, or 0.43% of diet in DM basis) of a tannin extract from the bark of Acacia mearnsii (TA) on milking performance, dry matter intake (DMI), digestibility, chewing behavior, ruminal fermentation, and N partition of dairy cows. Twenty Holstein cows (34.7 ± 4.8 kg/d, 590 ± 89 kg, and 78 ± 33 d in lactation) were individually fed a sequence of 4 treatments in 5, 4 × 4 Latin squares (with 21-d treatment periods, each with a 14-d adaptation period). The TA replaced citrus pulp in the total mixed ration and other feed ingredients were kept constant. Diets had 17.1% crude protein, mostly from soybean meal and alfalfa haylage. The TA had no detected effect on DMI (22.1 kg/d), milk yield (33.5 kg/d), and milk components. The proportions in milk fat of mixed origin fatty acids (16C and 17C) and the daily secretion of unsaturated fatty acids were linearly reduced and the proportion of de novo fatty acids was increased by TA. Cows fed TA had linear increase in the molar proportion of butyrate and linear reduction in propionate in ruminal fluid, whereas acetate did not differ. There was a tendency for the ratio of acetate to propionate to be linearly increased by TA. Cows fed TA had a linear reduction in the relative ruminal microbial yield, estimated by the concentrations of allantoin and creatinine in urine and body weight. The total-tract apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fiber, starch, and crude protein also did not differ. The TA induced a linear increase in meal size and duration of the first daily meal and reduced meal frequency. Rumination behavior did not differ with treatment. Cows fed 0.43% TA selected against feed particles >19 mm in the morning. There were tendencies for linear decreases in milk urea N (16.1-17.3 mg/dL), urine N (153-168 g/d and 25.5-28.7% of N intake), and plasma urea N at 6, 18, and 21 h postmorning feeding, and plasma urea N 12 h postfeeding was reduced by TA. The proportion of N intake in milk (27.1%) and feces (21.4%) did not differ with treatment. Reductions in urine N excretion and milk and plasma urea N suggest that TA reduced ruminal AA deamination, whereas lactation performance did not differ. Overall, TA up to 0.43% of DM did not affect DMI and lactation performance, while there was a tendency to reduce urine N excretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liniker N Oliveira
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras, MG 37200-900, Brazil
| | | | - Cecília D S Oliveira
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras, MG 37200-900, Brazil
| | - Cássia C Oliveira
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras, MG 37200-900, Brazil
| | - Rayana B Silva
- Better Nature Research Center, Lavras, MG 37203-016, Brazil
| | - Renata A N Pereira
- Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária de Minas Gerais, Lavras, MG 37200-970, Brazil
| | - Trevor J DeVries
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Marcos N Pereira
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras, MG 37200-900, Brazil.
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Kerwin AL, Burhans WS, Nydam DV, Overton TR. Transition cow nutrition and management strategies of dairy herds in the northeastern United States: Part III-Associations of management and dietary factors with analytes, health, milk yield, and reproduction. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:1246-1266. [PMID: 36543646 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-21876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The objective was to evaluate relationships between putative periparturient management and dietary factors at the pen and herd levels with metabolic- and inflammation-related analytes, health disorders, milk yield, and reproductive performance. Multiparous and primiparous cows from 72 farms in the northeastern United States were enrolled in a prospective cohort study. Farms were visited 3 times during the prepartum and postpartum periods: during the far-off dry, close-up dry, and fresh periods. Pen measurements were taken at each visit for the pens where cows sampled were housed, and particle size was determined for the total mixed ration for the pen. A survey was used to acquire data on herd-level management variables. Blood samples were collected from the same 11 to 24 cows per farm during the close-up and fresh period visits. Whole blood was analyzed for postpartum β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations, and plasma was analyzed for prepartum and postpartum nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) and postpartum haptoglobin (Hp) concentrations. Health event, milk yield, and reproductive records were acquired through the records management software program used on the farm. For the pen-level analysis, primiparous and multiparous cows were analyzed separately. For the pen- and herd-level analysis, a simple linear regression was conducted on all possible explanatory variables. Variables were included in the full multivariable general linear model if P < 0.20, and a manual backward stepwise elimination process ensued until all variables had P < 0.10. Our results indicate that pen- and herd-level management factors are associated with blood biomarkers, health, milk yield, and reproductive performance. For the prepartum period, our results support increasing the proportion of particles on the 19-mm sieve of the Penn State Particle Separator, optimizing bunk space, and not overfeeding metabolizable energy (ME), to decrease the prevalence of elevated postpartum NEFA, BHB, and Hp concentrations, decrease disorder incidence, maximize milk yield, and improve pregnancy risk to first service. For the fresh period, our results generally support optimizing bunk space, avoiding commingling, increasing feeding frequency, avoiding high physically effective undigested neutral detergent fiber (NDF) after 240 h of in vitro fermentation and high total fermentable carbohydrate diets while optimizing the inclusion of forage NDF, and ensuring adequate diet ME and metabolizable protein to reduce the prevalence of elevated postpartum NEFA, BHB, and Hp concentrations, minimize disorder incidence, maximize milk yield, and improve pregnancy risk to first service. At the herd level, our results generally support not vaccinating in the calving pen, minimizing the number of prepartum and postpartum pen moves, and avoiding long stays in the calving pen after parturition to reduce the prevalence of elevated biomarker concentrations, decrease disorder incidence, increase milk yield, and improve reproductive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Kerwin
- Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | | | - D V Nydam
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - T R Overton
- Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853.
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5
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Kahyani A, Ghorbani GR, Alikhani M, Ramezani O, Asemi Esfahani M, Ahmadi F, Nasrollahi SM. Chewing activities, sorting behaviour and ruminal fermentation of lactating dairy cows fed diets with similar proportions of undigested neutral detergent fibre with wheat straw substituted for alfalfa hay, corn silage or both. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/1828051x.2022.2120421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Kahyani
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Gholam R. Ghorbani
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Masoud Alikhani
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Omid Ramezani
- Department of Animal Science, Campus of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
| | - Mehdi Asemi Esfahani
- Department of Animal Science, Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan, Mollasani, Iran
| | - Farhad Ahmadi
- Department of Eco-friendly Livestock Science, Institute of Green Bio Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Pyeongchang, South Korea
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Welk A, Neave HW, Spitzer HB, von Keyserlingk MAG, Weary DM. Effects of intake-based weaning and forage type on feeding behavior and growth of dairy calves fed by automated feeders. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:9119-9136. [PMID: 36114058 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-21468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to assess the effects of intake-based weaning methods and forage type on feeding behavior and growth of dairy calves. Holstein dairy calves (n = 108), housed in 12 groups of 9, were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 weaning treatments: milk reduction based on age (wean-by-age), individual dry matter intake (DMI; wean-by-intake), or a combination of individual DMI and age (wean-by-combination). Groups of calves were alternately assigned to 1 of 2 forage treatments: grass hay or a silage-based total mix ration (TMR; n = 6 groups per treatment). Until 30 d of age, all calves were offered 12 L/d of whole milk. Starting on d 31, milk was gradually reduced by 25% of the individual's average milk intake. For wean-by-age calves (n = 31), the milk allowance remained stable until d 62 when milk was again reduced gradually until weaning at d 70. For wean-by-intake calves (n = 35), milk allowance was reduced by a further 25% once calves consumed on average 200, 600, and (finally) 1,150 g of dry matter (DM) per day of calf starter and forage. For wean-by-combination calves (n = 35), milk intake remained stable until calves consumed on average 200 g of DM/d, at which point milk was reduced linearly until weaning at d 70. If calves failed to reach DMI targets by d 62 (n = 10), milk was then reduced gradually until weaning at d 70. Of the 35 wean-by-intake calves, 27 met all 3 DMI targets (successful-intake), and 33 of the 35 calves in the wean-by-combination treatment met the 200 g of DM/d target (successful-combination). Successful-intake and successful-combination calves had greater final body weight (BW) at 12 wk of age than wean-by-age calves (123.7 vs. 122.3 vs. 117.7 ± 3.1 kg, respectively). During weaning, successful-intake calves ate more starter and consumed less milk than successful-combination and wean-by-age calves (starter: 1.19 vs. 0.89 vs. 0.49 ± 0.07 kg of DM/d, respectively; milk: 2.7 vs. 4.2 vs. 5.9 ± 0.17 L/d, respectively). After weaning, successful-combination and successful-intake calves consumed similar amounts of starter; however, wean-by-age calves continued to consume less starter (2.85 vs. 2.78 vs. 2.44 ± 0.10 kg of DM/d, respectively). During weaning, hay and TMR calves ate similar amounts of forage, but hay calves consumed more starter (0.96 vs. 0.75 ± 0.07 kg of DM/d, respectively). After weaning, hay calves continued to consume more starter (2.88 vs. 2.50 ± 0.10 kg of DM/d, respectively), whereas TMR calves consumed more forage (0.33 vs. 0.15 ± 0.02 kg of DM/d, respectively). Hay calves had greater final BW at 84 d compared with TMR calves (124.0 vs. 119.0 ± 1.6 kg, respectively). These results show that the inclusion of a DMI target can improve starter intake and BW for calves that successfully wean, and that forage type can influence the transition onto solid feed. We also found that approximately 10% of calves failed to consume even 200 g of DM/d by 9 wk of age; more research is needed to better understand why some calves struggle to transition onto solid feed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Welk
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4
| | - H W Neave
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4
| | - H B Spitzer
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4
| | - M A G von Keyserlingk
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4
| | - D M Weary
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4.
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Kerwin AL, Burhans WS, Mann S, Tetreault M, Nydam DV, Overton TR. Transition cow nutrition and management strategies of dairy herds in the northeastern United States: Part I-Herd description and performance characteristics. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:5327-5348. [PMID: 35469639 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-20862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Our objective was to describe management and herd characteristics of the transition period on freestall dairy herds in the northeastern United States using an on-farm survey and prospective cohort design. Enrolled herds (n = 72) had a median of 900 milking cows (range: 345-2,900) and a rolling herd average of 12,674 kg (standard deviation ± 1,220 kg), and 87.2% (n = 82/94) of fresh pens were milked at least 3×/d. The prevalence of herds with ≥15% of sampled cows with elevated concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids prepartum (≥0.27 mmol/L, 2-14 d before parturition) and postpartum [primiparous: ≥0.60 mmol/L, multiparous: ≥0.70 mmol/L, 3-14 d in milk (DIM)], β-hydroxybutyrate postpartum (≥1.2 mmol/L, 3-14 DIM), and haptoglobin postpartum (≥1 g/L, 0-12 DIM) was 51%, 51%, 51%, and 57%, respectively. In most herds, cows were moved to a calving pen when showing signs of labor (73.6%; n = 53/72) instead of 0 to 3 d before expected calving (26.4%, n = 19/72). Cows remained in the calving or maternity pen for a median (range) time of 2 (0-24) h after parturition before moving to the next pen. Primiparous cows remained in the first pen moved to after parturition for a longer period than multiparous cows [median (range) days: 12 (1.5-25) vs. 6 (1.5-22)]. Approximately 20% of herds had routine vaccinations administered in the maternity or calving pen, first pen after parturition, or both. Almost all herds (n = 69/72) performed fresh cow health checks; however, only 53% (n = 38/72) locked up all fresh cows daily. More herds housed primiparous and multiparous cows in separate pens during the far-off dry (65.3%; n = 47/72) and high-lactation (81.9%; n = 59/72) periods compared with the close-up dry (31.9%; n = 23/72) and fresh periods (27.8%; n = 20/72). At least half of the pens observed during the far-off dry, close-up dry, and fresh periods had a stocking density <100%. Approximately one-third of pens observed during the far-off dry period had feed pushed up ≤4×/d compared with approximately 15 to 20% of pens observed during the close-up dry, fresh, and high-lactation periods. More than half of the total mixed ration samples acquired from the far-off and close-up dry period visits had greater than the recommended proportion of particles in the 19-mm screen of the Penn State Particle Separator. The results of this observational study illustrated the range of management practices used in freestall herds in this region and lay the groundwork for future hypothesis-driven studies using this sampled population.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Kerwin
- Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | | | - S Mann
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | | | - D V Nydam
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - T R Overton
- Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853.
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Couto Serrenho R, Church C, McGee D, Duffield TF. Environment, nutrition, and management practices for far-off, close-up, and fresh cows on Canadian dairy farms - A retrospective descriptive study. J Dairy Sci 2021; 105:1797-1814. [PMID: 34799116 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-20919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The complex and interrelated management components of dairy farming are associated with health, production, and profitability of the herd, yet there is limited objective data on current management practices of the far-off, close-up, and fresh periods across Canadian dairy farms. We aimed to describe management practices of Canadian dairy farms by using a pre-existing risk assessment tool and outline potential management opportunities. Upon veterinarians' or producers' request, a transition management risk assessment (The Vital 90, Elanco) was performed by trained observers (n = 10) during farm visits (n = 78) between August 2014 and March 2018. Most farms were in Ontario (n = 64), whereas the remaining were in Alberta (n = 5), British Columbia (n = 4), Manitoba (n = 1), Prince Edward Island (n = 2), Newfoundland (n = 1), and Saskatchewan (n = 1). The study included 79 questions about nutrition, pen management, and cow comfort of the dry (approximate ranges: far-off, -60 to -20 d in milk; close-up, -20 to 0 d in milk) and fresh (0-30 d in milk) periods. The herds averaged 125 milking cows, and most had 2 defined dry groups (81%). Freestall (FS; 54%) and straw-bedded loose pack (BP; 81%) were the most common housing systems observed in the far-off and close-up periods, respectively. Heifers and cows were housed together in 56, 80, and 59% of the far-off, close-up, and fresh pens, respectively. A large proportion of the far-off (FS: >100% stocking density; BP: <9.3 m2/cow; 41%), close-up, and fresh pens (FS: >80% stocking density; BP: <13.9 m2/cow; 52 and 49%, respectively) were overstocked. Poor water access was observed across all periods (65, 58, and 24% of the far-off, close-up, and fresh, respectively). Only a few farms had proper heat abatement systems in place (absence of properly functioning soakers or fans; <10% in the dry and 15% in the fresh periods). Cows were able to sort their ration in 60% of the dry period pens and 31% of the fresh pens. In 73% of the farms, fresh cow health monitoring protocols were not in place. Colostrum cows and sick cows were housed together in 40% of the farms; 59% separated the newborn from the dam within 2 to 12 h of birth with colostrum harvested immediately thereafter. This work describes prevalent management practices in the dry and fresh periods and highlights areas for potential improvement. Future research should focus on the associations between management choices and health performance of dairy farms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Todd F Duffield
- Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
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Boerman JP, Hornback WC, Beever DE, Doane PH, Cecava MJ, Lock AL, Hansen SL, Drewnoski M, Murphy MR, Drackley JK. Effects of physical preparation of diets and inclusion rate of modified wet distillers grains with solubles on production and rumen measurements of lactating dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:1680-1695. [PMID: 33309371 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-18777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Our objective was to determine if methods for preparing total mixed ration [TMR; horizontal paddle mixer with knives (PK) vs. vertical auger (VA) mixer] would alter the physical form of the TMR and affect utilization of diets with increasing amounts of modified wet distillers grains with solubles (MWDGS). Holstein cows (n = 24 with 12 ruminally cannulated; 144 d in milk ± 31 d at start) were used in a split-plot design with mixer type as the whole plot and MWDGS concentrations as subplots in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square arrangement with 35-d periods. Inclusion rates of MWDGS were 10, 20, and 30% of dietary dry matter, primarily replacing corn, soybean meal, soyhulls, and whole cottonseed. Feed dry matter intake (DMI) was less for PK (23.8 kg/d) than for VA (25.7 kg/d), but was unaffected by MWDGS concentration. Milk production did not differ by concentration of MWDGS or by interaction of MWDGS × mixer. Milk fat percentage declined with increasing MWDGS but the interaction between mixer and MWDGS showed that decreases were larger with VA mixing. Cows fed the diet containing 30% MWDGS mixed with PK averaged 3.45% (1.24 kg/d) milk fat, whereas cows fed the same diet mixed with VA averaged 2.81% (1.10 kg/d) fat. Concentrations of trans-10,cis-12 C18:2 in milk fat likely explain the differences observed in milk fat yield; the concentration of trans-10,cis-12 C18:2 increased as MWDGS was increased and the MWDGS × mixer interaction showed that VA had greater concentrations. Greater mean particle size and increased variation in particle size with VA may partially explain differences in milk fat via increased sorting that allowed for an altered rumen environment and favored alternative biohydrogenation pathways. Feed conversion efficiency (FCE; energy-corrected milk/DMI) decreased linearly as MWDGS increased, but FCE tended to be maintained when higher MWDGS diets were mixed using PK rather than VA. Ruminal pH and ammonia concentration decreased linearly as MWDGS increased. The PK mixer resulted in greater FCE when higher amounts of MWDGS were fed, primarily because milk fat content and yield were not as depressed and DMI was lower at similar milk yields.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Boerman
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana 61801
| | - W C Hornback
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana 61801
| | - D E Beever
- Keenan Systems, Borris, County Carlow, Ireland R95 K223
| | - P H Doane
- Archer Daniels Midland Company, Decatur, IL 62526
| | - M J Cecava
- Archer Daniels Midland Company, Decatur, IL 62526
| | - A L Lock
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824
| | - S L Hansen
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames 50011
| | - M Drewnoski
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames 50011
| | - M R Murphy
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana 61801
| | - J K Drackley
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana 61801.
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10
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Seifi HA, Huzzey JM, Khan MA, Weary DM, von Keyserlingk MAG. Addition of straw to the early-lactation diet: Effects on feed intake, milk yield, and subclinical ketosis in Holstein cows. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:3008-3017. [PMID: 33455751 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-18549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated feed intake, milk yield, and subclinical ketosis in dairy cows in early lactation fed 2 different diets postpartum. Cows are typically offered a high-energy ration immediately after calving. We compared a conventional high-energy total mixed ration (TMR) with a transition ration that contained chopped straw. We predicted that adding chopped straw would increase dry matter intake, milk production, and indicators of energy metabolism during the first 3 wk of lactation compared to cows fed a conventional high-energy TMR. We also predicted that carryover effects would be likely for at least 2 wk after treatment ended. A total of 68 mixed-age Holstein cows were enrolled in the study 3 wk before their expected calving. All cows were managed on a single high-forage diet during the dry period. At calving, cows were allocated to 1 of the 2 diets: half to the conventional high-energy TMR (CTMR; n = 34; net energy for lactation = 1.61 Mcal/kg; neutral detergent fiber = 31.7%), and the other half to a high-forage TMR containing chopped wheat straw, equivalent to 4.27% dry matter (STMR; n = 34; net energy for lactation = 1.59 Mcal/kg; neutral detergent fiber = 33.7%) for 3 wk after calving. Cows on STMR were then shifted to CTMR for the next 2 wk to study short-term residual effects on the performance of cows. Treatments were balanced for parity, body condition score, and body weight. Feed intake was measured daily from 2 wk before to 5 wk after calving using automatic feed bins. Blood was sampled twice weekly from 2 wk before to 5 wk after calving, and β-hydroxybutyrate and glucose were measured in serum samples. Subclinical ketosis was identified using a threshold of β-hydroxybutyrate ≥1.0 mmol/L in wk 1 after calving and ≥1.2 mmol/L in wk 2 to 5 after calving. Cows were milked twice daily, and weekly samples (composite samples of morning and afternoon milkings) were analyzed to determine total solids, fat, protein, lactose, and somatic cell count. Data were analyzed in 2 separate periods: the treatment phase (wk +1, +2, and +3) and the post-treatment phase (wk +4 and +5). The addition of straw to the TMR negatively affected the dry matter intake of STMR cows during wk 2 and 3 of lactation. Daily milk yield during the first 5 wk of lactation was lower in STMR cows than in CTMR cows. Concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate were higher in CTMR cows than in STMR cows during wk 1, but this effect was reversed during wk 2 and 3 of lactation. By 21 d in milk, STMR cows had a greater risk of developing subclinical ketosis than CTMR cows. Adding chopped wheat straw to the TMR during the first 21 d after calving lowered dry matter intake and provided no metabolic or production benefits to lactating dairy cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hesam A Seifi
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z4, Canada; Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad 91775-48974, Iran
| | - Julianna M Huzzey
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z4, Canada; Animal Science Department, College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo 93407
| | - M A Khan
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z4, Canada; Animal Nutrition and Physiology Team, Grasslands Research Centre, AgResearch Ltd., Private Bag 11008, Palmerston North 4474, New Zealand
| | - Daniel M Weary
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Marina A G von Keyserlingk
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
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11
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Ran T, Saleem AM, Beauchemin KA, Penner GB, Yang W. Processing index of barley grain and dietary undigested neutral detergent fiber concentration affected chewing behavior, ruminal pH, and total tract nutrient digestibility of heifers fed a high-grain diet. J Anim Sci 2021; 99:skab011. [PMID: 33523183 PMCID: PMC7850052 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skab011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of processing index (PI) of barley grain and dietary undigested neutral detergent fiber (uNDF) concentration on dry matter (DM) intake, chewing activity, ruminal pH and fermentation characteristics, total tract digestibility, gastrointestinal barrier function, and blood metabolites of finishing beef heifers. The PI was measured as the density after processing expressed as a percentage of the density before processing, and a smaller PI equates to a more extensively processed. Six ruminally cannulated heifers (average body weight, 715 ± 29 kg) were used in a 6 × 6 Latin square design with three PI (65%, 75%, and 85%) × 2 uNDF concentration (low and high; 4.6% vs. 5.6% of DM) factorial arrangement. The heifers were fed ad libitum a total mixed ration consisting of 10% barley silage (low uNDF), or 5% silage and 5% straw (high uNDF), 87% dry-rolled barley grain, and 3% mineral and vitamin supplements. Interactions (P < 0.01) of PI × uNDF were observed for DM intake, ruminating and total chewing time, and DM digestibility in the total digestive tract. Intake of DM, organic matter (OM), starch, and crude protein (CP) did not differ (P > 0.14) between low and high uNDF diets, but intakes of NDF and acid detergent fiber were greater (P = 0.01) for high uNDF diets regardless of barley PI. Heifers fed high uNDF diets had longer (P = 0.05) eating times (min/d or min/kg DM) and tended (P = 0.10) to have longer total chewing times (min/kg DM) than those fed low uNDF diets. Additionally, heifers sorted (P = 0.01) against long particles (>19 mm) for high uNDF diets but not for low uNDF diets. Altering PI of barley grain did not affect (P > 0.12) total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration, molar percentages of individual VFA, or duration of ruminal pH < 5.8 and <5.6. Total VFA concentration was less (P = 0.01), acetate percentage was greater (P = 0.01), and duration of ruminal pH < 5.8 and <5.6 was less (P = 0.05) for high compared with low uNDF diets. Digestibility of DM, OM, and CP was greater (P = 0.02) for low vs. high uNDF diets with PI of 65% and 75%, with no difference between low and high uNDF diets at PI of 85%. Blood metabolites and gastrointestinal tract barrier function were not affected (P ≥ 0.10) by the treatments. These results suggest that increasing dietary uNDF concentration is an effective strategy to improve ruminal pH status in finishing cattle, regardless of the extent of grain processing, whereas manipulating the extent of barley processing did not reduce the risk of ruminal acidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Ran
- College of Pastoral Science and Technology, University of Lanzhou, Lanzhou, China
- Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Atef M Saleem
- Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Lethbridge, AB, Canada
- Department of Animal and Poultry Production, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Karen A Beauchemin
- Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Gregory B Penner
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Wenzhu Yang
- Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Lethbridge, AB, Canada
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12
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Li Y, Zhang GN, Feng GZ, Lv JY, Fang XP, Zhao C, Che L, Lan YX, Zhang YG. Effects of replacing alfalfa hay with malt sprouts and corn stover on milk production and nitrogen partitioning in dairy cows. Anim Feed Sci Technol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2020.114701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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13
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Lactation performance, nitrogen utilization, and profitability in dairy cows fed fermented total mixed ration containing wet corn gluten feed and corn stover in combination replacing a portion of alfalfa hay. Anim Feed Sci Technol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2020.114687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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14
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Molavian M, Ghorbani GR, Rafiee H, Beauchemin KA. Substitution of wheat straw with sugarcane bagasse in low-forage diets fed to mid-lactation dairy cows: Milk production, digestibility, and chewing behavior. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:8034-8047. [PMID: 32684450 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-18499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Sugarcane bagasse (SB) is a low-quality roughage source that is often plentiful during times of forage shortage. It is generally less costly compared with other conventional sources of forage. We hypothesized that SB could be used as a source of roughage for dairy cattle by replacing wheat straw (WS), another low-quality forage. This study evaluated the effects of replacing WS with SB in diets offered to mid-lactation dairy cows on milk production and fatty acid profile, intake, digestibility, chewing activity, and ruminal fermentation. Nine multiparous Holstein cows averaging (mean ± standard deviation) 105 ± 12 d in milk, 42.1 ± 2.9 kg of milk/d, and 617 ± 59 kg of body weight were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square with 21-d periods. Treatments were (% of dietary dry matter, DM): (1) 0SB, diet containing 0% SB and 27% WS, (2) 9SB, diet containing 9% SB and 18% WS, and (3) 18SB, diet containing 18% SB and 9% WS. Sugarcane bagasse had greater organic matter (OM; 94.1 vs. 85.1% of DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF; 86.2 vs. 76.4% of DM), acid detergent fiber (ADF; 62.9 vs. 45.2% of DM), and lignin (19.9 vs. 10.3% of DM) concentration, but less crude protein (CP; 2.63 vs. 3.72% of DM) concentration than WS. Sugarcane bagasse also had greater physically effective NDF (total dietary NDF multiplied by % of TMR on the 8-mm + 19-mm sieves, peNDF8; 63.2 vs. 40.6% of DM) and undegraded NDF after 288 h of incubation (uNDF288; 35.5 vs. 21.2% of DM) contents than WS. The undegraded NDF after 30 h of incubation (uNDF30) content was similar for all diets; however, peNDF8 concentration and proportion of long particles (retained on a 19-mm sieve) increased linearly as SB inclusion in the diets increased. Cows increasingly sorted against long particles as SB replaced WS. Intakes of DM (26.53 kg/d) and NDF (8.58 kg/d) did not differ among the treatments, but intakes of OM and CP decreased, whereas ADF and uNDF288 intakes increased with SB inclusion level. Total-tract digestibilities of OM, CP, and NDF decreased linearly as SB replaced WS. Milk yield (37.0 kg/d), energy-corrected milk yield (ECM; 38.2 kg/d), feed efficiency (1.44 kg ECM yield/kg DM intake), and milk composition (fat, 3.89%; true protein, 2.90%) did not differ among diets. Increasing SB concentration of the diet linearly increased rumination time, but ruminal pH (ruminocentesis, 4 h after feeding) decreased. Total volatile fatty acid concentration increased linearly, whereas acetate:propionate decreased linearly, as SB replaced WS. The results indicate that replacement of WS with increasing levels of SB in low-forage diets with similar uNDF30 concentrations did not affect performance of mid-lactation dairy cows. We conclude that SB can be used as a fiber source in diets fed to dairy cows in mid-lactation; however, the decrease in total-tract digestibility of diets may decrease lactational performance when fed to high-producing dairy cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Molavian
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156-83111, Iran
| | - G R Ghorbani
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156-83111, Iran.
| | - H Rafiee
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156-83111, Iran.
| | - K A Beauchemin
- Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB, Canada T1J 4B1
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15
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Moore SM, DeVries TJ. Effect of diet-induced negative energy balance on the feeding behavior of dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:7288-7301. [PMID: 32475669 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-17705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine how feeding behavior of dairy cows is altered in response to diet-induced negative energy balance, and if this response varies depending on dietary particle size distribution. Multiparous Holstein cows (n = 30; days in milk = 59 ± 5; parity = 2.8 ± 0.19), producing 44.6 ± 1.2 kg/d of milk, were fed (on a dry matter basis) a lactating diet [net energy of lactation (NEL) = 1.66 Mcal/kg; 68% forage, including 1.8% wheat straw] during a 2-wk baseline period. To induce negative energy balance, cows were then exposed for 3 wk to 1 of 2 diets formulated for a 20% reduction in energy available for milk (NEL = 1.58 Mcal/kg; 73% forage, including 17.2% wheat straw). These diets were identical, only varying in straw chop length: (1) long straw diet (LS): straw chopped with a 10.2-cm screen, or (2) short straw diet (SS): straw chopped with a 2.54-cm screen. Cows consumed 25.6 ± 0.26 kg/d during the baseline period. Dry matter intake decreased on the experimental diets; dry matter intake was greater for the SS diet as compared with the LS diet (23.1 vs. 22.5 kg/d; standard error = 0.47). During the baseline period, cow serum nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) and blood β-hydroxybutyrate averaged 0.27 ± 0.02 and 0.71 ± 0.05 mmol/L, respectively. During the experimental period, NEFA and β-hydroxybutyrate averaged 0.34 and 1.04 mmol/L, respectively, with a peak of NEFA (0.63 ± 0.06 mmol/L) occurring 4 d after dietary change. During baseline, cows produced 42.3 ± 0.33 kg/d of milk; milk yield was decreased for both SS cows and LS cows during the experimental period (SS = 39.0, LS = 37.8 kg/d; standard error = 0.67). On the experimental diets, cows spent more time eating (266.8 vs. 221.8 min/d), had longer meal lengths (46.9 vs. 37.5 min/meal), and consumed fewer meals (7.1 vs. 7.7 meals/d) compared with the baseline period. Within the experimental period, LS cows spent more time eating per day than SS cows (LS = 281.3, SS = 252.2 min/d). During the baseline period cows sorted against long particles (>19 mm), did not sort medium particles (8 to 19 mm), and sorted for short (4 to 8 mm) and fine (<4 mm) particles. Cows did not change sorting of long particles on the SS diet, but increased sorting against these on the LS diet. On the SS diet cows did not change their sorting of short and fine particles. On the LS diet cows increased sorting for short and fine particles. In the baseline period, no association was detected between feed sorting and serum NEFA concentration. During the experimental period, greater NEFA concentration was associated with greater sorting in favor of short particles for both the LS and SS diets. Furthermore, greater NEFA concentration was associated with greater sorting against the longest particles for both the LS and SS diets. No associations of blood and meal variables were detected during the experimental period. Overall, cows altered their feed sorting behavior in response to experiencing a diet-induced period of negative energy balance and the severity of negative energy balance was associated with the extent of that change in feed sorting.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Moore
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd. East, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - T J DeVries
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd. East, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada.
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Havekes CD, Duffield TF, Carpenter AJ, DeVries TJ. Effects of molasses-based liquid feed supplementation to a high-straw dry cow diet on feed intake, health, and performance of dairy cows across the transition period. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:5070-5089. [PMID: 32278564 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-18085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the effects of adding molasses-based liquid feed to a high-straw dry cow diet on intake, behavior, health, and performance of dairy cows across the transition period. Holstein cows (n = 40) entering their second lactation or greater were enrolled at dry-off (∼45 d before expected calving) and assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: a high-straw dry cow total mixed ration (TMR) with either (1) no molasses [CON; n = 20; 10.7% crude protein (CP), 1.45 Mcal/kg of net energy for lactation (NEL)] or (2) supplemented with 1 kg/cow daily [dry matter (DM) basis] of molasses-based liquid feed (LF; n = 20; 11.2% CP, 1.49 Mcal/kg of NEL). At calving all cows were fed the same lactating TMR (14.9% CP, 1.68 Mcal/kg of NEL) and followed for 28 d. During the dry period, cows fed the LF diet had greater DM intake (15.3 ± 0.24 vs. 13.4 ± 0.24 kg/d) and tended to have a shorter interval between meals (192.8 ± 8.38 vs. 216.5 ± 7.97 min) and more frequent meals (6.3 ± 0.27 vs. 5.6 ± 0.27 meals/d), while consuming their feed faster (0.09 ± 0.001 vs. 0.08 ± 0.001 kg of DM/min) compared with cows fed the CON diet. Regardless of treatment, cows sorted [100% × (actual intake/predicted intake)] against the longest ration particles (>19 mm), with cows fed the CON diet sorting more against these (81.1 ± 2.6 vs. 93.9 ± 2.6%). Cows fed the CON diet did not sort for or against short particles (<8, >4 mm; 100.2 ± 0.31%), but cows fed the LF diet tended to sort against these (99.2 ± 0.31%). Post-calving, cows fed the LF diet did not sort for long particles (98.5 ± 1.1%), but cows fed the CON diet continued to sort against these (96.3 ± 1.1%). Cows fed the LF diet had higher mean reticulorumen pH in the dry period (6.4 ± 0.05 vs. 6.2 ± 0.06 pH), in the first week after calving (CON = 5.7 ± 0.06 pH, LF = 5.8 ± 0.06 pH), and tended to have higher mean reticulorumen pH in the second week after calving (CON = 5.7 ± 0.06 pH, LF = 5.9 ± 0.06 pH). The results suggest that supplementing a molasses-based liquid feed in high-straw dry cow diets may improve intake and consistency in nutrients consumed during the dry period and in early lactation, as well as possibly promoting better rumen health across the transition period.
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Affiliation(s)
- C D Havekes
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - T F Duffield
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - A J Carpenter
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - T J DeVries
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada.
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Feeding Complete Concentrate Pellets Containing Ground Grains or Blend of Steam-Flaked Grains and Other Concentrate Ingredients in Ruminant Nutrition – A Review. ANNALS OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.2478/aoas-2019-0055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The feed industry has attempted to encourage the animal husbandry sector to feed complete concentrate pellets containing ground grains in ruminant nutrition and thus prevent farmers from making concentrate in their farms. Reducing particle size using pre-pelleting grinding and pressing materials during pellet formation, plus starch gelatinization by heat treatment in the conditioner are key factors determining the extent and rate of starch digestion in ingested pellets. If prepelleting grinding of corn and barley grain for using in the pelleted concentrate results in ground materials of less than 1.8 mm mean particle size (especially in the case of barley grain which is highly fermentable), then it increases the rate of fermentability in the rumen which in turn increases the acidosis risk. Such situation and dissatisfaction from pellets feeding to ruminant have directed farmers to produce homemade mash concentrate which may include steam-flaked form of grains in the concentrate mixture. Pelleting process increases the time needed to collapse the pellet in the rumen so delays the access of microbes to fermentable organic matter. This counterbalance property highly depends on pellet size with highest effect obtained using 10 mm diameter pellets for cattle. Feeding separately steam-flaked grains (plus other pelleted/mash non-grain ingredients of concentrate) may give results similar to the complete concentrate pellets having ground grains prepared according to optimized recommendations (pellet diameter and grain mean particle size). Nonetheless cost benefit studies are necessary to adopt one of the above two optimized technologies that has higher starch utilization and lower fecal starch excretion by animal. In the situation where consuming steam-flaked grains has priority of application in the diet, it is strongly recommended to pellet non-grain portions of concentrate for obtaining numerous pellet advantages such as reducing transportation cost, dust, sorting and bird removal.
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Havekes C, Duffield T, Carpenter A, DeVries T. Effects of wheat straw chop length in high-straw dry cow diets on intake, health, and performance of dairy cows across the transition period. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:254-271. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-17033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Havekes CD, Duffield TF, Carpenter AJ, DeVries TJ. Moisture content of high-straw dry cow diets affects intake, health, and performance of transition dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2019; 103:1500-1515. [PMID: 31837778 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-17557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the effect of adding water to a high-straw dry cow diet on feeding behavior, health, and performance of dairy cows. Holstein cows (n = 40) entering their second or greater lactation were enrolled at dry off (∼45 d before expected calving) and assigned to 1 of 2 dietary treatments, consisting of a high-straw dry cow total mixed ration [TMR; 36% wheat straw, 41% corn silage, 23% pellet, on a dry matter (DM) basis, formulated for 11.6% crude protein, 1.35 Mcal/kg net energy for lactation] with (1) no water (CON; n = 20; DM = 53.4%) or (2) water added to decrease the DM by ∼10 percentage points (wet diet, WD; n = 20; DM = 45.4%). Upon calving, all cows were fed the same lactating TMR (45.2% DM, 14.9% crude protein, 1.68 Mcal/kg net energy for lactation) and followed for 28 d. Dry matter intake, feeding behavior, and rumination activity were recorded automatically. Fresh TMR and orts samples were collected 2×/wk to determine differences in sorting. A particle separator was used to separate feed samples into 4 fractions: long (>19 mm), medium (<19, >8 mm), short (<8, >4 mm), and fine (<4 mm) particles. Feed sorting was calculated as actual intake of each particle fraction expressed as a % of predicted intake. Cows fed WD had greater DM intake during the dry period than cows fed CON (CON = 13.4 ± 0.24, WD = 14.2 ± 0.24 kg/d), but rumination did not differ (CON = 522.2 ± 8.48, WD = 518.5 ± 8.69 min/d) between treatments. Cows fed WD tended to consume their feed faster (CON = 0.08 ± 0.001, WD = 0.09 ± 0.001 kg of DM/min) compared with CON cows. Regardless of treatment, cows sorted against the longest ration particles, with cows fed CON sorting more against these (CON = 81.1 ± 2.51%, WD = 94.9 ± 2.58%). Cows fed CON tended to sort more in favor of the medium particles than those fed WD (CON = 105.0 ± 0.36%, WD = 104.2 ± 0.37%). Postcalving DM intake and feeding behavior were not affected by dry diet treatment. Cows fed WD experienced a less rapid daily decline in rumen pH during the first 7 d after calving compared with those fed the CON diet. The results suggest that increasing the moisture content of high-straw dry cow diets, by adding water, may improve intake and reduce sorting against the longest ration particles, which may help promote consistency in targeted nutrients consumed during the dry period and greater rumen health in early lactation.
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Affiliation(s)
- C D Havekes
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - T F Duffield
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - A J Carpenter
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - T J DeVries
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada.
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Kahyani A, Ghorbani GR, Alikhani M, Ghasemi E, Sadeghi-Sefidmazgi A, Nasrollahi SM. Adjusting for 30-hour undigested neutral detergent fiber in substitution of wheat straw and beet pulp for alfalfa hay and corn silage in the diet of high-producing cows. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:7026-7037. [PMID: 31178199 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-15740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the feeding effects of wheat straw (WS) and beet pulp (BP) substituted for corn silage (CS) and alfalfa hay (AH) based on forage 30-h undigested neutral detergent fiber (uNDF30) on lactation performance in high-producing dairy cows. Twelve multiparous (body weight = 611 ± 31 kg, days in milk = 97 ± 13; 51 ± 3 kg/d of milk; mean ± standard error) Holstein cows were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design with 28-d periods. Three treatments were established by substituting WS for CS and AH such that the concentration of forage uNDF30 in all diets was the same. The treatments were (1) 0% forage uNDF30 from WS (WS0; control), (2) 50% forage uNDF30 from WS (WS50), and (3) 100% forage uNDF30 from WS (WS100). Beet pulp was added in the straw diets to achieve similar dietary neutral detergent fiber digestibility after 30-h incubation (NDFD30). The 3 diets were similar in forage uNDF30 (14% of dry matter), total uNDF30 (∼18.5% of dry matter), and NDFD30 (approximately 42% of neutral detergent fiber). The substitution of WS and BP for AH and CS decreased the proportion of forage (40, 31, and 22.3% of dry matter) and forage neutral detergent fiber (21.2, 19.7, and 18.3% of dry matter) for WS0, WS50, and WS100, respectively, in the diet. However, the substitution linearly increased mean rumen pH (5.90, 6.09, and 6.28 for WS0, WS50, and WS100, respectively), digestibility of nutrients, and selection for long particles of diets without affecting dry matter intake. The substitution also linearly increased cholesterol and blood urea nitrogen concentration in the blood. Milk fat percentage, fat production, fat:protein ratio, and milk urea nitrogen increased linearly when treatments changed from WS0 to WS100, whereas the production of energy-corrected milk (ECM) was not affected by the treatments. Milk yield and milk protein yield were affected in a curvilinear manner and were lower in WS100 than other treatments. The efficiency of ECM production linearly increased in the diet with higher inclusion of WS and BP substitution in the diet (1.66, 1.70, and 1.72 for WS0, WS50, and WS100, respectively), but body weight, body weight change, and backfat thickness of cows were not different among treatments. In conclusion, the substitution of WS and BP for CS and AH with fixed uNDF30 improved feed efficiency and rumen pH, decreased milk and protein yield, and did not affect ECM yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kahyani
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156-83111, Iran.
| | - G R Ghorbani
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156-83111, Iran
| | - M Alikhani
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156-83111, Iran
| | - E Ghasemi
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156-83111, Iran
| | - A Sadeghi-Sefidmazgi
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156-83111, Iran
| | - S M Nasrollahi
- Young Researchers Club, Khorasgan (Isfahan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan 81595-185, Iran
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DeVries TJ. Feeding Behavior, Feed Space, and Bunk Design and Management for Adult Dairy Cattle. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2019; 35:61-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2018.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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22
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Coon R, Duffield T, DeVries T. Short communication: Risk of subacute ruminal acidosis affects the feed sorting behavior and milk production of early lactation cows. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:652-659. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-15064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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