Effects of Different Forage Types on Rumen Fermentation, Microflora, and Production Performance in Peak-Lactation Dairy Cows

Abstract

Forages are vital in maintaining the dietary structures of ruminants, and reducing their costs is important for improving dairy production efficiency. Thus, this study investigated the effects of dietary forage types on dry matter intake, production, rumen fermentation, and the microbial profile in peak-lactating cows. Eight cows (600 ± 25 kg) with days in milk (60 ± 10 days) were assigned to four groups using a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design: OG (oat hay + alfalfa hay + corn silage + concentrate), CW (Leymus chinensis + alfalfa hay + corn silage + concentrate), AS (alfalfa silage + oat hay + corn silage + concentrate), and AC (alkali-treated corn straw + alfalfa hay + corn silage + concentrate). The ruminal butyrate acid concentration was lower in the OG group than in the AS and AC groups post-feeding (12 h; p < 0.05). Ruminal NH3-N content was higher in the AS group than in the AC and CW groups post-feeding (9 h; p < 0.05). The percentage of ruminal Oscillospira and unknown microbes was higher in the CW group than in the other groups (p < 0.05). The total rumination time and rumination time per dry matter intake of AC were significantly higher than those of the other groups (p < 0.05). Milk lactose content in the AS group was highest among the groups (p < 0.05), and milk fat content was higher in the OG group than in the CW group (all p < 0.05). Overall, our results suggested that the butyrate acid content of forage from oat hay in rumen fermentation was significantly lower than that of calcium oxide and alfalfa silage sources when the dietary nutrition level was similar. The diet derived from L. chinensis increased the number of fibrillation helices related to fiber-decomposing bacteria and simultaneously increased unknown strains. Forage derived from alfalfa silage tended to increase milk protein levels. Alkali-treated corn straw could significantly increase the total rumination time and unit dry matter rumination time of dairy cows, which plays an important role in maintaining rumen health. The rational use of low-quality forage has broad prospects in China.

Structure, function and enzymatic synthesis of glucosaccharides assembled mainly by α1 → 6 linkages – A review

“…Due to their special glycosidic structure, IMOs cannot be decomposed by the oral flora, which thus can prevent dental caries. One of the main components of IMOs is isomaltose which can significantly increase the content of volatile fatty acids (VFA) in the rumen of dairy cows and the milk fat percentage of milk (Guo, Hu, Jin, & Xu, 2018). In addition, isomaltose has a sweetness equivalent to 30-60% of sucrose, and is low in calories, so it can be used as a sweetener instead of sucrose, and can be used as a food additive for diabetic patients and obese people (Lee, Wang, & Lin, 2008;W.…”

Lactic Acid Bacteria and Cellulase Improve the Fermentation Characteristics, Aerobic Stability and Rumen Degradation of Mixed Silage Prepared with Amaranth and Rice Straw

“…Roughage is an important component in the ration of ruminants because of the unique physiological characteristics of gastrointestinal tracts. An adequate provision of highquality roughage is essential for maintaining the health and production performance of ruminants [1]. Ensiling is an effective strategy to preserve the roughage quality and is commonly used in the diet of ruminants.…”

Replacing alfalfa hay with amaranth hay: effects on production performance, rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibility and antioxidant ability in dairy cow

“…CP, crude protein; NDF, neutral detergent fiber; ADF, acid detergent fiber; NFC, non-fibrous carbohydrate; NE L , net energy for lactation 1). CON, diet with no amaranth hay; AH1, 50% dietary alfalfa hay was replaced by amaranth hay; AH2, 100% dietary alfalfa hay was replaced by amaranth hay.2) The premix provided the following per kg of experimental ration: Vit A 8,000 IU, Vit D 1,200 IU, Vit E 50 IU, Fe 100 mg, Mn 40 mg, Zn 64 mg, Cu 10 mg, I 0.50 mg, Se 0.38 mg, Co 0.16 mg.3) NE L was a calculated value, while the others were measured values.…”

“…SEM, standard error of the mean; MUN, milk urea nitrogen; SCC, somatic cell count 1). CON, diet with no amaranth hay; AH1, 50% dietary alfalfa hay was replaced by amaranth hay; AH2, 100% dietary alfalfa hay was replaced by amaranth hay.…”

“…SEM, standard error of the mean; TP, total protein; ALB, albumin; GLB, globulin; GLU, glucose; SUN, serum urea nitrogen; TG, triglyceride; ALT, alanine transaminase; AST, aspartate transaminase; ALP, alkaline phosphatase 1). CON, diet with no amaranth hay; AH1, 50% dietary alfalfa hay was replaced by amaranth hay; AH2, 100% dietary alfalfa hay was replaced by amaranth hay.…”