Effects of ad libitum or restricted access to total mixed ration with supplemental long hay on production, intake, and rumination

Abstract

Limiting feeding time has been a concept used in growing and nonlactating ruminant animals with good success, especially in improving feed efficiency while maintaining normal rumen function and fiber digestibility. This study evaluated the physiological and productive responses of cows fed a total mixed ration (TMR) available for 24 or 19 h/d with or without access to additional long hay. Eight multiparous Holstein cows were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with 21-d periods. Rations were formulated to mimic a TMR used in the Parmigiano Reggiano cheese production area of Italy, consisting of all dry and nonfermented components. Intakes were reduced by 2.49 kg/d in cows with restricted TMR access and 1.16 kg/d without supplemental hay. Rumen characteristics were similar for all groups with improvements in energy-corrected milk. The results show that once cows adapted to diet changes, few differences were observed when offering TMR continuously or with limited access. Energy-corrected milk feed efficiency was improved in cows having access to feed 19 versus 24 h/d. In addition, the presence of long hay during the TMR restriction offered the optimal conditions for ruminal function and pH stability, yet no effects were observed on body weight change. A Latin square with 21-d periods could have a carry-over effect on energy storage, and mobilization of fat reserves might be able to mask negative energy balance during restriction. Restricted feeding could be used as a strategy to manage feed availability according to cow production and metabolic condition, to maximize the use of nutrient resources, reducing the cost of milk production and improving the cows' welfare and health.

Effects of 00-rapeseed meal inclusion in Parmigiano Reggiano hay-based ration on dairy cows’ production, reticular pH and fibre digestibility

“…The experimental diets were balanced thanks to an adjustment of the corn flakes and grass hay proportions among the treatments, thus no substantial changes were observed in chemical composition and theoretical supply of ME and MP. TMRs were lower in particle size than usually recommended (Heinrichs 2013), but in accordance with previous trial (Fustini et al 2017, Cavallini et al 2018 and similar to those observed in several commercial farms of PR area (Fustini et al 2016). This level of dietary particle size minimised the risk of cows sorting (Fustini et al 2016).…”

“…This level of dietary particle size minimised the risk of cows sorting (Fustini et al 2016). Feed and water intake were similar to those observed in previous studies conducted under the same experimental conditions (Cavallini et al 2018).…”

“…As reported in a similar study (Cavallini et al 2018), data for DMI, milk yield and composition, feed efficiency, fibre digestibility and body weight were analysed as a replicated Latin square design with model effects for diet using the RELM procedure of JMP (version 12.0 pro, Statistical Analysis Systems Institute Inc., Cary, NC). Cow within replicate and period was considered as a random effect.…”

Limiting total mixed ration availability alters eating and rumination patterns of lactating dairy cows

“…However, environmental conditions and forage and feed types may negate the effect of low rumen pH on feed preference (Cooper et al, 2002;Salfer et al, 2018). Cavallini et al (2018) evaluated the physiological and production responses of cows that were fed a TMR for 19 or 24 h with or without supplemental long dry hay to improve the feed efficiency of the limit-fed diet. Few production differences were observed once cows adapted to diet feeding regimens.…”

Calving difficulty influences rumination time and inflammatory profile in Holstein dairy cows

“…These authors explained this observation by changes in the dam: calf ratios that reduce rumen capacity and increase calving pain (Stanley et al, 1993;Proudfoot et al, 2009), preventing animals from feeding and ruminating. Rumination time is influenced by several factors: adequate physically effective NDF in the diet (Mertens, 1997), forage inclusion and composition (Fustini et al, 2011), and diurnal feed availability (Cavallini et al, 2018). Moreover, health disorders, pain, and distress may inhibit rumination; indeed, a decrease in RT is considered a reliable indicator of stress and disease (Soriani et al, 2012;Calamari et al, 2014;Schirmann et al, 2016).…”