Ground Wheat Grain for Midlactation Cows: Challenging a Common Wisdom

Abstract

The objective was to determine the effects of ground wheat grain (GW) inclusion rate, grinding extent (GE), and their interaction on lactating cow performance. Eight midlactation cows in 3 × 4 m individual boxes were used in a 4 × 4 replicated Latin square design study with 4 21 d periods. GW was fed at either 10% or 20% of diet dry matter (DM), as either finer or coarser particles. DM intake increased and net energy for lactation (NEL) intake tended to increase when GW was fed at 10% instead of 20% of diet DM. Milk energy yield, milk solids content and yield, and urine pH were unaffected. Fecal pH tended to increase at 20% versus 10% GW. Total tract apparent NDF, but not DM, digestibility tended to be greater for coarsely than finely GW and tended to be greater at 10% versus 20% GW. GW at 10% versus 20% of diet DM decreased blood BHBA and increased blood concentrations of total proteins and albumin. Data provide novel evidence that both finely and coarsely ground WG can be safely fed up to 20% midlactation cows. Commercial accessibility and cost will determine feeding preference of wheat grain to dairy cows.

Wheat Grain for Transition Dairy Cows: A Multifaceted Abet or an Intriguing Peril?

“…This editorial seeks to appraise metabolic feasibility of feeding wheat grain (WG) based rations to dairy cows, especially during transition period or few weeks around calving. A major commercial hypothesis is that WG in transition diets can help ease periparturient stresses by increasing rumen microbial protein synthesis, inducing mild acidosis and improving calcium dynamics, attenuating splanchnic metabolic pressures, and considerably overcoming immune challenges through stimulating dry matter intake [1][2][3].…”

Bioprocessing Philosophies of Wheat Grain for Ruminants: A Postmodern Analysis

“…It is expected that steam-flaking would be more suitable than steam-rolling for barley grain in reducing rumen degradation rates of starch and proteins, whereas steam-rolling may suffice accomplishing the goal for WG. Since steam-flaking demands more energy and time, it is more expensive and less economical than steam-rolling [8]. As such, making the right bioprocessing choice for WG (i.e., steam-rolling rather than steam-flaking) could significantly decrease costs and improve ruminant enterprise economics.…”