1- , QazvinAgricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, , AREEO, Qazvin, Iran
2- 2- The CEO of Arya Animal Feed Factory
2- 2- The CEO of Arya Animal Feed Factory
Abstract: (9 Views)
Extended abstract
Introduction and Objective: Currently, the conventional feeding method for dairy cattle, even in small and medium-sized farms, is a total mixed ration (TMR). TMR is made by adding concentrate to the forage portion of the ration and mixing them together. Preparing a TMR requires access to formulated rations and the use of equipment such as grinders and mixers; in addition, machinery, storage facilities, and labor are necessary. Typically, providing these tools and facilities is not easy for small and sometimes medium-sized farms. Under these conditions, if the TMR feed is ensiled in a wet form, these shortcomings can be largely overcome. Overall, the technology of TMR silage facilitates feeding management and allows the use of ensiled wet feed over time. The present experiment was conducted in this regard to investigate the effect of using TMR silage on performance, blood parameters, and digestibility of dairy cows in mid-lactation.
Materials and Methods: For this experiment, 16 multiparous Holstein dairy cows (with an average parity of 2.8 parity and 78 days in milk), whose health was certified by a herd veterinarian, were divided into two homogeneous groups of 8 cows each based on milk production levels, days in milk, and parity. Each group was randomly assigned to one of two experimental diets (including a control diet and a diet prepared TMR Silage). The chemical composition of the prepared TMR Silage was determined for pH, dry matter, crude protein, ash content, and neutral detergent fiber on days 0, 28, and 56. The total duration of the experiment was 40 days; the first 10 days served as an adaptation period for animals to adjust to their housing and experimental diets. Throughout the experiment, daily feed intake was measured by subtracting leftover feed from the amount offered. Daily milk production and its components (fat percentage, protein percentage, lactose percentage, and somatic cell count) were measured biweekly. To assess the impact of the diets on nutrient digestibility (including dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber), fecal samples were collected directly from all animals' rectums during the last five days of the experiment. On the final day of the experiment, blood samples were collected from all animals via venipuncture to evaluate treatment effects on blood parameters including glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, and total protein.
Results: Based on the results obtained from this experiment, parameters related to the prepared silage indicated that high-quality silage was produced. The use of feed in the form of TMR Silage did not significantly affect dry matter intake; thus treatments were similar in this regard; however, milk production showed a tendency to increase (P=0.10). Except for fat percentage in milk which increased due to using complete feed silage (P=0.05), other milk components including protein percentage and lactose percentage as well as somatic cell count were not affected. Feeding TMR Silage increased apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (P=0.04) but had no effect on apparent digestibility of other nutrients including dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein. Among blood parameters including glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, and total protein concentration only glucose concentration significantly increased with TMR Silage intake (P=0.05).
Conclusion: The results from this study indicate that using TMR Silage led to a non-significant increase in milk production in dairy cows while improving apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fiber and increasing both milk fat percentage and blood glucose concentration. Overall it can be stated that utilizing TMR Silage has advantages in feeding dairy cows and can serve as a viable strategy for their nutrition; however further research in this area is needed.
Introduction and Objective: Currently, the conventional feeding method for dairy cattle, even in small and medium-sized farms, is a total mixed ration (TMR). TMR is made by adding concentrate to the forage portion of the ration and mixing them together. Preparing a TMR requires access to formulated rations and the use of equipment such as grinders and mixers; in addition, machinery, storage facilities, and labor are necessary. Typically, providing these tools and facilities is not easy for small and sometimes medium-sized farms. Under these conditions, if the TMR feed is ensiled in a wet form, these shortcomings can be largely overcome. Overall, the technology of TMR silage facilitates feeding management and allows the use of ensiled wet feed over time. The present experiment was conducted in this regard to investigate the effect of using TMR silage on performance, blood parameters, and digestibility of dairy cows in mid-lactation.
Materials and Methods: For this experiment, 16 multiparous Holstein dairy cows (with an average parity of 2.8 parity and 78 days in milk), whose health was certified by a herd veterinarian, were divided into two homogeneous groups of 8 cows each based on milk production levels, days in milk, and parity. Each group was randomly assigned to one of two experimental diets (including a control diet and a diet prepared TMR Silage). The chemical composition of the prepared TMR Silage was determined for pH, dry matter, crude protein, ash content, and neutral detergent fiber on days 0, 28, and 56. The total duration of the experiment was 40 days; the first 10 days served as an adaptation period for animals to adjust to their housing and experimental diets. Throughout the experiment, daily feed intake was measured by subtracting leftover feed from the amount offered. Daily milk production and its components (fat percentage, protein percentage, lactose percentage, and somatic cell count) were measured biweekly. To assess the impact of the diets on nutrient digestibility (including dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber), fecal samples were collected directly from all animals' rectums during the last five days of the experiment. On the final day of the experiment, blood samples were collected from all animals via venipuncture to evaluate treatment effects on blood parameters including glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, and total protein.
Results: Based on the results obtained from this experiment, parameters related to the prepared silage indicated that high-quality silage was produced. The use of feed in the form of TMR Silage did not significantly affect dry matter intake; thus treatments were similar in this regard; however, milk production showed a tendency to increase (P=0.10). Except for fat percentage in milk which increased due to using complete feed silage (P=0.05), other milk components including protein percentage and lactose percentage as well as somatic cell count were not affected. Feeding TMR Silage increased apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (P=0.04) but had no effect on apparent digestibility of other nutrients including dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein. Among blood parameters including glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, and total protein concentration only glucose concentration significantly increased with TMR Silage intake (P=0.05).
Conclusion: The results from this study indicate that using TMR Silage led to a non-significant increase in milk production in dairy cows while improving apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fiber and increasing both milk fat percentage and blood glucose concentration. Overall it can be stated that utilizing TMR Silage has advantages in feeding dairy cows and can serve as a viable strategy for their nutrition; however further research in this area is needed.
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