Effect of forage source and feeding frequency of nitrogen sources on the performance, digestibility and blood metabolites of lactating dairy cows

Document Type : Research Paper

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Abstract

Twelve multiparous (100±10 d in milk) Holstein dairy cows were used in a 6×6 incomplete Latin square design (five 21-d periods) with a 2×3 factorial arrangement of treatments to evaluate the effect of forage sources and rumen degradable nitrogen fractions and their feeding frequency on performance, total tract digestibility and blood metabolites. Treatments were different proportion of alfalfatocorn-silage (35:15 and 15:35) and different feeding frequency of the rumen degradable nitrogen source: 1- Total mixed ration (TMR) was offered once daily in the morning (09:00); 2- A part of soybean meal was offered at 21:00; 3- A part of urea was offered at 21:00. Dry matter intake and body weight change were not affected by treatments. Milk and 3.5% fat-corrected milk yield increased in corn silage-based diets compared with alfalfa hay-based diets (P<0.05). Feeding part of soybean meal at night increase milk yield, energy corrected milk and 3.5% fat-corrected milk production (P<0.01). Milk percentage of fat, protein and lactose did not differ among treatments. Feed efficiency not affected by forage source but increased in cows fed soybean meal at night (P<0.05). Apparent total-tract digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and neutral detergent fiber tended to increase in corn silage-based diets (P<0.1). Plasma urea nitrogen (6 h after feeding) was higher in cows fed once daily (P<0.01). The results indicated that corn silage-based diets improved milk production and dry matter and fiber digestibility compared with alfalfa hay-based diets. Feeding part of soybean meal at night increase performance of Holstein dairy cows.

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References

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Animal Sciences Journal
Volume 29, Issue 110
June 2016
Pages 191-202

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