Effects of an amino-oligosaccharide on diet degradation and milk production in dairy cows

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of an amino-oligosaccharide (AAOS) on milk production and in vitro dry matter degradation (IVDMD) of a total mixed ratio (50:50 forage:concentrate) for lactating dairy cows. Treatments (diets) were control (0 g AAOS) and AAOS (0.17% of diet, DM basis). In vitro incubations were carried out at 12, 24, 48 and 70 h. Sixty multiparous Jersey cows (8197 days in milk) were randomly assigned to the two treatments. Milk production and milk components were evaluated during 42 days. The IVDMD was reduced by AAOS only at 12 h incubation. Cows fed AAOS showed similar dry matter intake, milk yield, milk fat, milk non-fat solids and milk lactose as compared to control. However, AAOS increased milk protein percentage and decreased milk urea-nitrogen, as compared to control.