Effects of processing method on degradation characteristics of protein and carbohydrate sources in situ

Effect of Cereals and Legumes Processing on In Situ Rumen Protein Degradability: A Review

The determination of the ruminal degradability rate of feeds, mainly starch and crude protein, is one of the most common methods to evaluate the nutritional value of ruminant feed. The protein requirements for ruminants are met from microbial protein and undegraded dietary protein digested in the small intestine. In order to reach maximum productivity, high-quality proteins are needed, and the requirement for undegraded dietary protein increases with the performance of the animal. This protein can be supplied by reducing the ruminal degradation to increase the amount of protein digested post-rumen, but the form in which a feed is administered influences degradability, and grain processing, especially, is a common practice to improve feed efficiency. Despite these aspects, studies on the effects of feed processing methods on protein degradability are limited, even though more and more ruminants are fed with processed feeds. For these reasons, this review investigated the protein degradability of different processed cereals and legumes in ruminants based on the analysis of available literature in order to take stock of the state of the art on this topic. Results showed that: First, the majority of the papers are focused on the energy aspects mainly due to carbohydrate-rich feeds; second, the majority of the studies in the literature are quite old, probably because the changes occurred in the animal testing legislation that made in vivo studies more and more difficult in the last 20 years; third, as a consequence, the few data available in recent years concern in vitro experiments; fourth, we found a high variability of the experimental conditions thus affecting protein degradability and making it quite difficult to compare the different results.

Effect of flaking on the digestibility of corn in ruminants

In this study, we aimed to assess the effect of flaking on the nutrient digestibility of corn grain in ruminants. In this regard, in vitro rumen fermentation, in situ rumen degradability, and in vivo metabolic experiments were performed. The automated gas production technique was used for the in vitro fermentation experiments. Six types of corn flakes with various degrees of gelatinization (32%, 41%, 48%, 66%, 86%, and 89%) were ground and incubated in rumen fluid to measure rumen fermentation characteristics and digestion rate. The in situ degradability of ground corn, whole corn, and corn flakes with 62% and 66% gelatinization was measured by incubation in the rumen of two cannulated Holstein cows. In vivo metabolic experiments were performed using 12 crossbred goats (29.8 ± 4.37 kg) using a 3 × 3 Latin square design. The dietary treatments consisted of ground corn and flaked corn with 48% or 62% gelatinization. In vitro experiments showed that as the degree of gelatinization increased, the digestion rate increased linearly, while the discrete lag time decreased linearly (p < 0.05). The effective rumen dry matter degradability, determined by in situ fermentation, was 37%p lower in corn flakes than ground corn, assuming a passage rate of 6%/h (p < 0.01), and there was no difference between the two flakes. In the in vivo experiment, there was no difference in dry matter intake, average daily gain, feed efficiency, and nitrogen utilization among the treatment groups (p > 0.05); however, the crude fat digestibility was lower for corn flakes than for ground corn (p < 0.05). To summarize, the rate of fermentation of corn flakes increased as the degree of gelatinization increased. However, non-ground corn flakes had lower rumen digestibility and did not improve in vivo apparent nutrient digestibility, compared with ground corn. In contrast to the assumption that flaked corn provides more energy to ruminant animals than ground corn, we conclude that the digestibility and energy value of corn flakes are lower than those of ground corn if mastication does not sufficiently reduce the particle size of corn flakes.

Performance and feeding behavior of dairy cows fed high-concentrate diets containing steam-flaked or ground corn varying in particle size

Steam-flaked corn (SFC) and ground corn (GC) of different particle sizes were evaluated for their effects on dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield and components, chewing activity, ration sorting, ruminal fermentation, and digestibility in lactating dairy cows. Eight multiparous Holstein cows in mid-lactation (46.6 ± 3.5 kg/d milk production and 101 ± 10 d in milk) were used in a double 4 × 4 Latin square design with 21-d periods. Cows were fed diets (dry matter basis) containing 36.2% forage (alfalfa hay and corn silage), 37.4% corn grain, and 26.4% other ingredients. The corn grain was ground (coarse: 1.08 mm; medium: 0.84 mm; and fine: 0.73 mm) or steam-flaked (SFC; density = 0.40 kg/L). The dry matter proportion retained on an 8-mm sieve was greater for the SFC diet than for the GC diets. There were no treatment effects on DMI, milk yield, fat-corrected milk, energy-corrected milk, fat or lactose yield, protein or lactose content, or milk urea nitrogen concentration. However, digestibility of dry matter and organic matter were greater for fine GC and SFC than the other diets. In addition, cows fed SFC had lower total-tract starch digestibility than cows fed GC diets. Cows fed SFC tended to have lower propionate proportion (22.8 vs. 27.1 mM) and total volatile fatty acid concentration (88.6 vs. 99.8 mM) in ruminal fluid than those fed GC diets. Acetate and butyrate concentration, acetate to propionate ratio, and ruminal concentration of ammonia-nitrogen were not affected by treatments. Ruminal pH (6.46 vs. 6.01) as well as milk fat content (2.75 vs. 2.59%) and efficiencies (fat-corrected milk/DMI and energy-corrected milk/DMI) were greater for SFC than GC, regardless of its particle size. Milk fat content tended to increase linearly with increasing particle size of GC. Eating activity (min/d) tended to be less for SFC compared with GC, but rumination activity (min/d) and total chewing activity (min/d) were not affected by processing or particle size. The results of study indicate that, compared with GC, steam flaking of corn with 400 g/L density increased milk fat content and efficiency of high-producing dairy cows without any negative effect on milk yield. For GC, milk fat content tended to linearly increase and starch digestibility decreased linearly with increasing particle size.

Feeding Complete Concentrate Pellets Containing Ground Grains or Blend of Steam-Flaked Grains and Other Concentrate Ingredients in Ruminant Nutrition – A Review

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.

A Meta-Analysis on the Impact of the Supplementation of Rumen-Protected Choline on the Metabolic Health and Performance of Dairy Cattle

Simple Summary

During the first weeks of lactation, dairy cows typically experience negative energy balance, leading to the mobilization of energy reserves. This predisposes early lactating cows towards metabolic diseases, such as fatty liver syndrome and ketosis. The supplementation of rumen-protected choline (RPC) is a strategy to restrict negative effects associated with negative energy balance in early lactating cows, but reported effects are inconsistent. This meta-analysis revealed that the supplementation of RPC positively affected dry matter intake, but this effect was associated with increased milk yield, thus without improving energy balance and metabolic profile of the cows.

Abstract

After parturition, cows undergo negative energy balance leading to fat mobilization, predisposing them to fatty liver syndrome and ketosis with major consequences for health and reproduction. Supplementation of rumen-protected choline (RPC) has attracted major research efforts during the last decade, assuming that choline improves liver function by increasing very low-density lipoprotein exportation from the liver, thereby improving metabolic profiles, milk production, and reproduction. However, the effects of RPC on production, health, and reproduction have been inconsistent. Therefore, the aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of RPC supplementation, starting from d 20 (± 12.2) ante partum to d 53 (± 31.0) postpartum, on feed intake, milk production performance and metabolic profiles of dairy cows early postpartum. Data analyses from 27 published studies showed an increase in postpartal dry matter intake (from on average 19.1 to 19.9 kg/d; p < 0.01) and milk yield (from on average 31.8 to 32.9 kg/d; p = 0.03) in cows receiving RPC. Milk fat yield and milk protein yield were also increased (p ≤ 0.05), without changing milk protein and fat contents. However, no interactive effects between cow’s milk yield level and RPC-supplementation as well as no dose-dependent effects of RPC supplementation were observed. Supplementing the diet with RPC showed no effects on blood metabolites (non-esterified fatty acids, beta-hydroxybutyrate, glucose, and cholesterol), independent of the milk yield level of the cows. An effect on liver triacylglycerol contents, incidence of ketosis, and mastitis could not be confirmed across all studies included in this meta-analysis. Also, the positive effects of RPC supplementation on reproductive performance were not consistent findings. In conclusion, supplementing RPC in lactating dairy cows showed positive effects on dry matter intake which likely caused the improved milk yield. However, RPC supplementation did not improve the metabolic health status of the cows. As several factors might be related to the responses to RPC, further research is needed to explore the precise mechanisms of RPC action in lactating cows, especially with regards to feed intake improvement and its related metabolic health-promoting potential in early lactating dairy cows.

Effects of rumen-protected methionine on milk production in early lactation dairy cattle fed with a diet containing 14.5% crude protein

We evaluated the influence on milk production of feeding early lactation cows a diet that included 14.5% crude protein (CP) and that did not meet methionine (Met) requirements or that met them by supplying rumen‐protected Met (RPMet). Thirty‐nine multiparous Holstein cows were allocated into two groups. For 15 weeks after calving, each group was fed one of the two total mixed rations, Control (n = 20) or Treatment (n = 19). The Treatment group received added RPMet at 0.034% (8 g/day) of the Control diet on dry matter basis. The adequacies of Met for the Control and Treatment groups were 96% and 106%, respectively, and for other amino acids, >110%. The CP level (14.5%) was 1 percentage point lower than that recommended by the Japanese Feeding Standard (2006). No between‐group differences were found in milk yield (40 kg/day), milk composition, plasma profile, rumen fermentation, nitrogen balance, or cow health. Met intake and the amount of rumen‐undegradable feed Met were higher in the Treatment group (p < 0.05). Microbial Met and total metabolizable Met did not differ between groups. Supplying RPMet in a 14.5% CP diet during early lactation did not dramatically affect milk production, because the amount of total metabolizable Met was unchanged.

Diets of differentially processed wheat alter ruminal fermentation parameters and microbial populations in beef cattle

The influences of differently processed wheat products on rumen fermentation, microbial populations, and serum biochemistry profiles in beef cattle were studied. Four ruminally cannulated Limousin × Luxi beef cattle (400 ± 10 kg) were used in the experiment with a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The experimental diets contained (on a DM basis) 60% corn silage as a forage source and 40% concentrate with 4 differently processed wheat products (extruded, pulverized, crushed, and rolled wheat). Concentrations of ruminal NH-N and microbial protein (MCP) in cattle fed crushed and rolled wheat were greater ( < 0.05) than the corresponding values in cattle fed pulverized and extruded wheat. Ruminal concentrations of total VFA and acetate and the ratio of acetate to propionate decreased ( < 0.05) with increased geometric mean particle size (geometric mean diameter) of processed wheat, except for extruded wheat; cattle fed extruded wheat had the lowest concentrations of total VFA and acetate among all treatments. The relative abundance of , , ciliated protozoa, and was lower in cattle fed the pulverized wheat diet than in the other 3 diets ( < 0.05), whereas the relative abundance of was decreased in cattle fed extruded wheat compared with cattle fed crushed and rolled wheat ( < 0.05). No treatment effect was obtained for serum enzyme activity and protein concentration ( > 0.05). Our findings suggest that the method of wheat processing could have a significant effect on ruminal fermentation parameters and microbial populations in beef cattle and that crushed and rolled processing is better in terms of ruminal NH-N and MCP content, acetate-to-propionate ratio, and relative abundance of rumen microorganisms.

Inclusion of various amounts of steam-flaked soybeans in lactating dairy cattle diets

Whereas most soybean feedstuffs have been extensively investigated for use in ruminant diets, a lack of information exists regarding steam-flaked soybeans (SFSB). This research evaluated various inclusion rates of SFSB in diets for lactating dairy cattle. Twelve multiparous Holstein cows (103 ± 39 d in milk) were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square experiment consisting of 28-d periods, 14 d for diet transitioning followed by a 14-d sampling period. Treatments were inclusion of SFSB at 0, 5, 10, and 15% of dietary dry matter (DM), replacing a mixture of soybean meal, soy hulls, calcium salts of fatty acids, and choice white grease. Animals were fed lactating dairy cow diets formulated to be isonitrogenous and isoenergetic, containing 60% of DM as forage and 40% of DM as concentrate. Dry matter intake (mean = 28.8 kg/d), milk production (42.2 kg/d), milk fat percentage (3.52%), and feed efficiency (1.43 kg of energy-corrected milk/kg of DM intake) were similar across all treatments. Milk protein (2.98%) and lactose (4.87%) were also unaffected by the amount of SFSB in the diet. Milk urea nitrogen concentration decreased linearly as the amount of SFSB in the diet increased. Unlike some other soybean supplements, feeding SFSB did not increase trans-11 C18:1 or cis-9,trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid, but instead resulted in increased cis-9,cis-12 C18:2 and α-C18:3. Body weights (752 kg) and body condition scores (3.17) were similar with all diets. This research demonstrated that SFSB can be substituted for soybean meal and commercial fat sources while maintaining milk and milk component production and decrease milk urea nitrogen concentration.

Influence of grinding on the nutritive value of peas for ruminants: comparison between in vitro and in situ approaches

In ruminant nutrition, peas are characterized by high protein solubility and degradability, which impair its protein value estimated by the official in situ method. Grinding can be used as a technological treatment of pea seeds to modify their nutritional value. The aim of this study was to compare the in situ method with an in vitro method on the same pea either in a coarse pea flour form (PCF) or in a ground pea fine flour form (PFF) to understand the effect of grinding. Both forms were also reground (GPCF and GPFF). PCF presented a lower rate of in vitro degradation than PFF, and more stable fermentation parameters (pH, ammonia, soluble carbohydrates) even if gas production was higher for the PCF after 48 h of incubation. In situ dry matter and protein degradation were lower for PCF than those for PFF; these differences were more marked than with the in vitro method. Reground peas were very similar to PFF. The values for pea protein digestible in the intestine (PDI) were higher for PCF than those for PFF. This study points out the high sensitivity of the in situ method to grinding. The study needs to be validated by in vivo measurements.

Effects of rumen-protected choline and dry propylene glycol on feed intake and blood parameters for Holstein dairy cows in early lactation

A 6 x 6 Latin square design was used to test 3 sets of comparisons simultaneously to study response in dry matter intake, milk yield, and blood parameters to propylene glycol (PG) supplementation delivered by 2 methods [incorporating PG into the total mixed ration (TMR) vs. top dressing; comparison I]; individual or combined dietary choline and PG supplementation as a 2 x 2 factorial (comparison II); or increasing amounts of dietary choline (comparison III). Six multiparous (lactation number = 1.5 +/- 0.8 SD) Holstein dairy cows were at 41 d in milk (+/- 9 SD) at the start of the experiment. Propylene glycol used was a dry product containing 65% PG, and choline was a rumen-protected choline product (RPC; estimated to be 50% rumen-protected) containing 50% choline chloride. In comparison I, treatments compared were 1) control: no PG; 2) PG-TMR: 250 g/d of dry PG (corresponding to 162.5 g/d of PG) incorporated into the TMR; and 3) PG-top dress: 250 g/d of dry PG top-dressed onto the TMR. In comparison II, treatments compared were 1) control: no PG and no RPC; 2) PG: 250 g/d of dry PG incorporated into the TMR; 3) RPC: 50 g/d of RPC top-dressed onto the TMR; and 4) PG+RPC: combination of treatments 2 and 3. In comparison III, treatments compared were 0, 25, and 50 g/d of RPC top-dressed onto the TMR. Each experimental period lasted 10 d with 9 d of adaptation followed by 1 d of serial blood sampling. Dry matter intake and milk yield were recorded daily. During the serial blood sampling, jugular blood was sampled every 20 min for the first 4 h and at 8 and 12 h after treatment administration. Results obtained from comparison I showed that feeding 250 g/d of PG as a dry product decreased plasma beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentration (mean +/- SEM) from 701 +/- 81 (control) to 564 +/- 76 micromol/L without affecting serum insulin, plasma glucose, or plasma nonesterified fatty acid concentrations. Top-dressing PG decreased plasma BHBA concentrations more than by incorporating it into the TMR [527 vs. 601 micromol/L (+/- 81 pooled SEM)]. Results obtained from comparison II showed that supplementing choline as RPC, PG, or both had no effect on dry matter intake, milk yield, or any of the blood parameters measured. Results obtained from comparison III showed that milk yield tended to increase linearly with increasing amounts of dietary choline as RPC. We concluded that feeding PG as a dry product reduced plasma BHBA concentration but top-dressing PG was more efficient at reducing plasma BHBA level than incorporating PG into the TMR. Dietary choline as RPC tended to increase milk yield linearly. However, a combined effect of dietary PG and choline was not evident and therefore not beneficial.

Ruminal degradability and lysine bioavailability of soybean meals and effects on performance of dairy cows

Evaluations of 4 soybean meal (SBM) products were conducted in 3 experiments. The 4 products were 1) solvent SBM (SSBM), 2) SSBM treated with 0.05% baker's yeast and toasted at 100 degrees C (YSBM), 3) expeller SBM (ESBM), and 4) lignosulfonate-treated SBM (LSBM). Multiparous Holstein cows (n = 32; 152 +/- 63 d in milk; body weight = 708 +/- 77 kg; producing 41 +/- 7 kg/d of milk at the beginning of the study) were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square design with 28-d periods to investigate cow responsiveness to supplemental ruminally undegradable protein (RUP) from the SBM products. Dietary treatments were formulated by substituting all of the SSBM and part of the ground corn with YSBM, ESBM, or LSBM to yield isonitrogenous diets. Diets were formulated to provide adequate ruminally degradable protein, but deficient RUP and metabolizable protein supplies. No differences among dietary treatments were observed for dry matter intake, body weight gain, milk and component yields, or efficiency of milk production. The lack of response to changes in SBM source was likely due to an adequate RUP and metabolizable protein supply by all the diets. In situ ruminal degradations of YSBM and LSBM were slower than those of SSBM or ESBM; thus, RUP contents of YSBM and LSBM were greater than those of SSBM or ESBM. The RUP of all SBM products had similar small intestinal digestibility. Available Lys contents, estimated chemically or by using a chick growth assay, were less for YSBM and LSBM than for SSBM or ESBM, suggesting deleterious effects of processing on Lys availability in YSBM and LSBM.

Influence of endosperm vitreousness and kernel moisture at harvest on site and extent of digestion of high-moisture corn by feedlot steers

Six ruminally and duodenally cannulated Angus-Jersey crossbred steers (450 kg of BW) were used in a 6 x 6 Latin square to evaluate the effect of kernel vitreousness and moisture on intake and digestibility of high-moisture corn. Arranged in a 2 x 3 factorial, diets included a floury (FLO) or a vitreous (VIT) endosperm corn hybrid harvested at 28.1% (DRY), 31.2% (MID), or 35.7% (WET) kernel moisture content. Diet DM consisted of 88.25% high-moisture corn, 6% chopped alfalfa hay, 2% corn gluten meal, 0.75% urea, and 3% supplement. Supplement was included to ensure that the diets contained a minimum (DM basis) of 0.6% Ca, 0.6% K, 0.2% S, 33 mg/kg of monensin, and 11 mg/kg of tylosin. Geometric mean diameter of lyophilized high-moisture corn tended to be less (P = 0.06) for VIT than for FLO, and the calculated particle surface area was 15.8% greater (P = 0.03). An interaction of vitreousness with the quadratic effect of moisture was noted (P < 0.001), such that fraction a and effective degradation for starch tended to be greater for the vitreous hybrid at the least and greatest moisture content but lower for the vitreous hybrid at the intermediate moisture content. Intake and ruminal disappearance of DM, OM, and starch were not influenced by vitreousness or moisture, with ruminal starch disappearance averaging 90.9%. Intestinal starch digestion measured as a percentage of starch entering the intestines averaged 91% and was greater (P < 0.05) for VIT than FLO corn. Averaged across moisture levels, total tract starch digestibility was greater (P < 0.003) for VIT than FLO. Compared with FLO kernels, VIT kernels appeared to be more brittle and therefore shattered more readily when rolled, particularly at the driest kernel moisture level. Furthermore, increased surface area of smaller particles may have been responsible for the greater starch utilization from VIT corn. In contrast with the results from other in situ and in vivo trials with dry-rolled corn grain, in which the starch from vitreous hybrids was less rapidly or completely digested, hybrids with more vitreous starch, when fed as high-moisture corn, had greater total tract starch digestibility, primarily due to greater postruminal starch digestion.

Effect of site of starch digestion on portal nutrient net fluxes in steers

Processing of maize grain is known to modulate the site of starch digestion, thus the nature and amount of nutrients delivered for absorption. We assessed the effect of site of starch digestion on nutrient net fluxes across portal-drained viscera (PDV). Three steers, fitted with permanent digestive cannulas and blood catheters, successively received two diets containing 35 % starch as dent maize grain. Diets differed according to maize presentation: dry and cracked (by-pass, BP)v. wet and ground (control, C). Ruminal physicochemical parameters were not significantly affected. Between C and BP, the decrease in ruminal starch digestion was compensated by an increase in starch digestion in the small intestine. The amount of glucose and soluble α-glucoside reaching the ileum was not affected. The amount of glucose disappearing in the small intestine increased from 238 to 531 g/d between C and BP, but portal net flux of glucose remained unchanged (−97 g/d). The portal O2consumption and net energy release were not significantly affected, averaging 16 % and 57 % of metabolizable energy intake, respectively. The whole-body glucose appearance rate, measured by jugular infusion of [6, 6-2H2]glucose, averaged 916 g/d. The present study shows that the increase in the amount of glucose disappearing in the small intestine of conventionally fed cattle at a moderate intake level induces no change in portal net flux of glucose, reflecting an increase in glucose utilization by PDV. That could contribute to the low response of whole-body glucose appearance rate observed at this moderate level of intestinal glucose supply.

Evaluation of Protein Fractionation Systems Used in Formulating Rations for Dairy Cattle

Production efficiency decreases when diets are not properly balanced for protein. Sensitivity analyses of the protein fractionation schemes used by the National Research Council Nutrient Requirement of Dairy Cattle (NRC) and the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) were conducted to assess the influence of the uncertainty in feed inputs and the assumptions underlying the CNCPS scheme on metabolizable protein and amino acid predictions. Monte Carlo techniques were used. Two lactating dairy cow diets with low and high protein content were developed for the analysis. A feed database provided by a commercial laboratory and published sources were used to obtain the distributions and correlations of the input variables. Spreadsheet versions of the models were used. Both models behaved similarly when variation in protein fractionation was taken into account. The maximal impact of variation on metabolizable protein from rumen-undegradable protein (RUP) was 2.5 (CNCPS) and 3.0 (NRC) kg/d of allowable milk for the low protein diet, and 3.5 (CNCPS) and 3.9 (NRC) kg/d of allowable milk for the high protein diet. The RUP flows were sensitive to ruminal degradation rates of the B protein fraction in NRC and of the B2 protein fraction in the CNCPS for protein supplements, energy concentrates, and forages. Absorbed Met and Lys flows were also sensitive to intestinal digestibility of RUP, and the CNCPS model was sensitive to acid detergent insoluble crude protein and its assumption of complete unavailability. Neither the intestinal digestibility of the RUP nor the protein degradation rates are routinely measured. Approaches need to be developed to account for their variability. Research is needed to provide better methods for measuring pool sizes and ruminal digestion rates for protein fractionation systems.

Effect of Corn Particle Size on Site and Extent of Starch Digestion in Lactating Dairy Cows

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of corn particle size (CPS) on site and extent of starch digestion in lactating dairy cows. Animals were fitted with ruminal, duodenal, and ileal cannulas. Dry corn grain accounted for 36% of dry matter intake. In experiment 1, 6 cows were used in a duplicate 3 x 3 Latin square design. Semiflint corn was used. Corn processing methods were grinding, medium rolling, and coarse rolling. The mean particle size of the processed corn was 730, 1807, and 3668 microm, respectively. Rumen digestibility of starch linearly decreased from 59% with ground corn to 36% with coarsely rolled corn. Similarly, small intestine digestibility linearly decreased with increased CPS, and consequently, the amount of starch digested in the small intestine was not affected by corn processing. In experiment 2, 4 cows were used in a 2 x 2 crossover design. Dent corn was used. Corn processing methods were grinding and coarse rolling. The mean particle size of the processed corn was 568 and 3458 microm, respectively. Rumen digestibility of starch decreased from 70% with ground corn to 54% with coarsely rolled corn. Small intestine digestibility of starch was not significantly affected by CPS, and the amount of starch digested in the small intestine tended to be greater for rolled than for ground corn. In both experiments, starch total tract digestibility decreased with increased CPS. In conclusion, CPS is an efficient tool to manipulate rumen degradability of cornstarch. In midlactation cows, the decrease in the amount of starch digested in the rumen between grinding and coarse rolling is partly compensated for by an increase in the amount of starch digested in the small intestine with dent genotype, but with semiflint genotype postruminal digestion is not increased and rumen escape starch is not utilized by the animal.

In situ evaluation of hen mortality meal as a protein supplement for dairy cows

A study was conducted to evaluate the nutritional composition and in situ degradation of hen mortality meals. There were four treatments: control autoclaved hen meal (C-HM), enzyme-treated, fermented, autoclaved hen meal (E-HM), NaOH-treated, fermented, autoclaved hen meal (NaOH-HM), and soybean meal (SBM). For the E-HM or NaOH-HM, hen mortality was treated with a feather digesting enzyme or NaOH to improve digestibility of feathers on the carcass. After the enzyme or NaOH treatment, treated hen mortality was preserved by a fermentation procedure. The crude protein levels of the C-HM and SBM were higher than the E-HM and NaOH-HM, and the concentration of fat in the C-HM was higher than the other treatments. Levels of Lys, Thr, Arg, Ile, Leu, Val, and Phe for the C-HM and SBM were higher than in the E-HM and NaOH-HM. The Met, Cys, and Gly levels in the C-HM were higher than the soybean meal. In situ ruminal degradation data showed that the C-HM had lower dry matter and crude protein degradation than the other treatments, whereas the E-HM or NaOH-HM was more susceptible to ruminal degradation. These results indicate that the C-HM has higher levels of crude protein, amino acids, and resistance to ruminal degradation, whereas the E-HM or NaOH-HM was more digestible to ruminal microorganisms.

Supplemental carbohydrate sources for lactating dairy cows on pasture

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate steam-flaked corn and nonforage fiber sources as supplemental carbohydrates for lactating dairy cows on pasture. Cows were allotted to a new paddock of an orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) pasture twice daily in one group in both trials. In experiment 1, 28 Holstein cows, averaging 216 d in milk, were randomly assigned to either a cracked-corn (CC) or a steam-flaked (SFC) supplement in a split plot design. The supplement contained 66.7% of corn and a protein/mineral pellet. In experiment 2, 28 Holstein cows, averaging 182 d in milk, were randomly assigned to either a ground corn (GC) or a nonforage fiber (NFF)-based supplemented in a single reversal design. The GC supplement contained 85% ground corn plus protein, mineral, and vitamins. The NFF supplement contained 35% ground corn, 18% beet pulp, 18% soyhulls, 8% wheat middlings plus protein, mineral, and vitamins. In both experiments, cows were fed the grain supplement twice daily after each milking at 1 kg/4 kg milk. In experiment 1, milk production (24.3 kg/d) and composition did not differ between treatments; however, plasma and milk urea N were lower with the SFC supplement. In experiment 2, milk production (27.5 kg/d) was not affected by treatments, which may be related to the medium quality of pasture grazed. The GC supplement tended to reduce plasma and milk urea N and increased milk protein percentage (3.23 vs. 3.19%). Pasture dry matter intake, measured using Cr2O3, did not differ between treatments in either experiment 1 (15.1 kg/d) or experiment 2 (12.2 kg/d). Milk production did not differ when mid-late lactation cows on pasture were supplemented with SFC or NFF instead of dry corn.

Ruminal digestion and fermentation of high-producing dairy cows with three different feeding systems combining pasture and total mixed rations

Six multiparous Holstein cows fitted with rumen cannulas were used to study the effect of three feeding systems combining pasture and total mixed rations (TMR) on ruminal digestion in a 21-wk repeated measures experiment. The three treatments were: 1) pasture plus concentrate (PC), 2) pasture plus partial TMR (pTMR), and 3) TMR (nonpasture). Ruminal NH3-N concentration was lower on both the pTMR and TMR treatments (10.2 +/- 0.5 mg/dL) than on the PC treatment (19.9 +/- 0.5 mg/dL). Ruminal pH was not affected by treatments and averaged 5.87. Neither total volatile fatty acid concentration (137.5 mmol/L) nor individual volatile fatty acid proportions (63.1,20.6, and 12.0 mol/ 100 mol for acetate, propionate, and butyrate, respectively) differed among treatments. The pTMR treatment reduced the total potentially degradable fraction of dry matter (85.5 vs. 82.3%) and the potentially digestible fraction of neutral detergent fiber (82.1 vs. 74.9%) of pasture compared to the PC treatment. Ruminal NH3-N losses were reduced when combining pasture and TMR; however this combination decreased the ruminal digestion of pasture, indicating the presence of associative effects in the rumen.

Milk response to concentrate supplementation of high producing dairy cows grazing at two pasture allowances

Twenty multiparous Holstein cows (four ruminally cannulated) in five 4 x 4 Latin squares with 21-d periods were used to study the effect of concentrate supplementation when grazed at two pasture allowances. The four dietary treatments resulted from the combination of two pasture allowance targets (low, 25 vs. high, 40 kg of dry matter/cow per day) and two concentrate supplementation levels (zero vs. 1 kg of concentrate/4 kg of milk). Concentrate supplementation decreased pasture dry matter intake 2.0 kg/d at the low pasture allowance (17.5 vs. 15.5 kg/d) and 4.4 kg/d at the high pasture allowance (20.5 vs. 16.1 kg/d). Substitution rate was lower at the low pasture allowance (0.26 kg pasture/kg concentrate) than at the high pasture allowance (0.55 kg of pasture/kg of concentrate). Total dry matter intake of both supplemented treatments averaged 24.4 kg/d. Milk production of both supplemented treatments averaged 29.8 kg/d, but was increased with higher pasture allowance in the unsupplemented treatments (19.1 vs. 22.2 kg/d). Milk response to concentrate supplementation was 1.36 and 0.96 kg of milk/kg of concentrate for the low and high pasture allowances, respectively. Concentrate supplementation reduced milk fat percentage but increased milk protein percentage. Rumen pH and NH3-N concentration were decreased with concentrate supplementation. Substitution rate was likely related to both negative associative effects in the rumen (reductions in rumen pH, rate of pasture digestion, and NDF digestibility) and reductions in grazing time. The latter was more important, quantitatively explaining at least 80% of the reduction in pasture dry matter intake observed.

Improving energy supply to late gestation and early postpartum dairy cows

Sixty-five multiparous Holstein cows were used to test the effects of feeding diets of varied ruminal carbohydrate availability during the transition period on dry matter intake, blood metabolites, and lactational performance. Cows received total mixed rations containing either cracked corn or steam-flaked corn beginning 28 d prior to expected calving date. At parturition, cows were assigned to a postpartum total mixed ration that contained either cracked corn or steam-flacked corn. Diets were fed until 63 d in milk. No treatment effects on prepartum or postpartum dry matter intake, body weight, and body condition score were observed. Cows fed steam-flaked corn had lower blood urea N concentrations during the prepartum period and lower plasma nonesterified fatty acid concentrations during the prepartum and postpartum periods. Cows fed steam-flaked corn postpartum produced 2.3 kg/d more milk than cows fed cracked corn during the first 63 d in milk. Fat corrected milk showed no treatment effect. Seven cows were used to evaluate treatment effects on ruminal fermentation and digesta kinetics. Prepartum and postpartum treatments had minimal effects on ruminal fermentation. Feeding steam-flaked corn prepartum decreased apparent fiber digestibility and ruminal NH3 N. Feeding steam-flaked corn postpartum decreased the acetate to propionate ratio. Prepartum and postpartum treatments did not affect digesta kinetics. An increase in ruminal carbohydrate availability during the postpartum period enhanced milk production, but had variable results on ruminal fermentation.

Modeling ruminal digestibility of carbohydrates and microbial protein flow to the duodenum

Carbohydrates are the major source of energy for dairy cows and for microbial protein synthesis in the rumen. The prediction of ruminal carbohydrate digestibility and of the flow of microbial protein to the small intestine is difficult because of the variability among various feeds in the kinetics of digestion and passage of neutral detergent fiber and starch. Disappearance of fiber and starch in vitro or in situ and gas production in vitro have been extensively evaluated, improved, and reviewed. Similarly, markers and models to measure ruminal passage rate have been extensively researched and improved. Sources of variation and decreased accuracy for these techniques are discussed. Variation and potential errors also remain for the prediction of microbial protein flow to the duodenum using in vivo procedures. However, when in vivo results were accumulated into a database, microbial N flow to the duodenum over a wide range of conditions could be predicted accurately by intake of net energy for lactation or by dry matter intake and percentage of neutral detergent fiber in the diet. Although evaluation of feeding interactions and specific dietary limitations for microbial protein production in the rumen are possible with some models but not with this regression approach, mechanistic models need further validation and more accurate rate constants for improved accuracy over a wide range of conditions.

Synchronization of ruminal degradation of supplemental carbohydrate with pasture nitrogen in lactating dairy cows

Twelve Holstein cows in early to midlactation (8 fitted with ruminal cannulas) were used to test the hypothesis that the synchronization of the rate of ruminal degradation of supplemental carbohydrate and N from fresh pasture would increase the amount of N retained for growth and milk production. A concentrate based on ground shelled corn was fed either at the time that pasture was fed at 0900 and 1700 h (synchronous) or 4 h after pasture was fed at 1300 and 2100 h (asynchronous). The crossover design included a 6-d adjustment period and a 10-d milk sampling period. Nitrogen balance was determined during the last 5 d of each period. Cows fed the synchronous diet had a lower mean ruminal pH. Peak ammonia concentration at 3 and 5 h after pasture feeding in the morning was reduced by approximately 33% of values obtained from cows fed the asynchronous diet. The diurnal pattern of blood urea N concentration was similar to that of ruminal ammonia, but mean daily concentrations of blood urea N did not differ between diets. Nitrogen retained for milk production and growth was not influenced by diet, and no differences in milk production, composition, or efficiency were observed. Based on changes in ruminal concentrations of ammonia, synchronous ruminal release of supplemental carbohydrate with pasture N appeared to improve the capture of ruminal N; however, these changes were transient and did not change the N status or performance of dairy cows.

Varying degradation rates of total nonstructural carbohydrates: effects on ruminal fermentation, blood metabolites, and milk production and composition in high producing Holstein cows

Twelve multiparous Holstein cows (6 ruminally cannulated and 6 intact) at 56 to 77 d of lactation were used in an experiment with a 3 x 6 Latin square design. Cows were fed three total mixed rations that varied in degradation rates of total nonstructural carbohydrates (6.04, 6.98, and 7.94%/h). No interactions between treatment and square were detected. Higher ruminal degradation rates of dietary total nonstructural carbohydrates increased the nonammonia N (NAN) pool of the liquid fraction but did not alter the dry matter or volume of fractional pools, microbial NAN pools, or microbial composition. Treatment did not affect dry matter intake, total concentrations of volatile fatty acids, or fiber digestibility. As ruminal degradation rates of total nonstructural carbohydrates increased, the following effects were observed: 1) the turnover rates of solids increased linearly; 2) ruminal NH3 N concentrations and degradabilities of organic matter and N decreased, but propionate concentrations, bacterial efficiency, and total NAN flows tended to increase; 3) blood glucose and insulin concentrations were not affected, but blood urea N and nonesterified fatty acids were decreased; 4) intestinal and total tract digestibilities of organic matter and total nonstructural carbohydrates increased; and 5) milk production and milk true protein content and yield increased, but energetic efficiency of milk production did not change. The highest dietary ruminal degradation rate of total nonstructural carbohydrates increased the amount of nutrients digested in the intestine and increased milk production.

Comparison of barley, hull-less barley, and corn in the concentrate of dairy cows

Twelve multiparous and 12 primiparous lactating Holstein cows were used to compare the effects of hull-less barley with barley and corn on dry matter intake (DMI), digestibility, and milk production. Three concentrates were formulated using steam-rolled grains: barley, hull-less barley, or corn. During three 21-d periods, cows received a total mixed diet consisting of 60% concentrate, 30% barley silage, and 10% cubed alfalfa hay [dry matter (DM) basis]. Milk production and DMI were higher for cows fed the corn diet than for cows fed the barley or hull-less barley diets; no interaction with parity was detected. The DMI of cows fed the hull-less barley and barley diets were similar. Despite the higher estimated energy density of the hull-less barley diet, milk production was similar for cows fed the hull-less barley and barley diets because of the lower digestibility of the hull-less barley. Results of an in situ study showed that, for steam-rolled grains, DM and starch from hull-less barley were less degradable than were DM and starch from barley, although the opposite result was observed for ground grains. For steam-rolled hull-less barley, low ruminal degradabilities of DM and starch were apparently not compensated by high intestinal digestibility because total tract digestibility and milk production were lower than expected. Although the net energy for lactation value of hull-less barley is higher than that for barley, milk production by cows might be limited unless hull-less barley is adequately processed to ensure high ruminal and total tract digestibilities.

Energy and nitrogen balance in lactating cows fed diets containing dry or high moisture corn in either rolled or ground form

The effects of harvesting and processing methods on the value of net energy for lactation of corn grain were investigated. Lactating Holstein cows were used in a replicated Latin square design with a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Treatments were different methods for the storage (dry or high moisture) and processing (rolled or ground) of corn grains. Alfalfa silage was the forage source in the diets. Indirect calorimetry was conducted using a 6-d nutrient balance protocol; respiration measurements were made at 24-h intervals. Dry matter intake did not differ among treatments and averaged 24.2 kg/d. Milk yield was 2.0 kg/d greater for cows fed diets containing high moisture corn than for cows fed diets containing dry corn and was 2.2 kg/d greater for cows fed diets containing ground corn than for cows fed diets containing rolled corn. Apparent digestibilities of nonfiber carbohydrates, crude protein, and dry matter were greater for cows fed diets containing high moisture corn than for cows fed diets containing dry corn. Metabolizable energy and heat production were greater for diets containing high moisture corn than for diets containing dry corn and were greater for diets containing ground corn than for diets containing rolled corn. Net energy for lactation was greater for diets containing high moisture corn than for diets containing dry corn (1.78 vs. 1.64 Mcal/kg of dry matter).