How Fiber and Probiotics Affect Milk Production and Eating Habits in Dairy Cows

Greg Howard
22nd July, 2024

How Fiber and Probiotics Affect Milk Production and Eating Habits in Dairy Cows

Image Source: Lisa Goudzwaard (photographer)

Key Findings

  • The study at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, found that cows on a low-forage diet with direct-fed microbial (DFM) supplementation ate more feed
  • Cows on the low-forage diet produced 2.1 kg more milk per day compared to those on the high-forage diet
  • DFM supplementation reduced morning respiration rates, suggesting it may help reduce heat stress in cows
The University of Wisconsin, Madison recently conducted a study to evaluate the effects of dietary fiber sources and direct-fed microbial (DFM) supplementation on lactation performance and feeding behavior of high-producing dairy cows[1]. This research is crucial given that optimizing the diet of dairy cows can significantly impact milk production, animal health, and farm economics. In this study, 64 multiparous Holstein cows were divided into four groups with different dietary treatments. The treatments included two levels of forage inclusion in the diet—either 45.8% (low forage, LF) or 56.7% (high forage, HF) of dry matter (DM)—and the supplementation of 75 mL per head per day of a DFM containing herbal extracts and various beneficial microorganisms, or no supplementation (CON). The study aimed to determine how these dietary adjustments would affect dry matter intake (DMI), milk production, and other health indicators over an 8-week treatment period. The results showed that cows on the LF diet with DFM supplementation had a significantly higher DMI compared to those on the HF diet, both with and without DFM supplementation. Specifically, the LF-DFM group consumed 2 to 3 kg more feed during certain weeks of the treatment period. Additionally, milk production was 2.1 kg per day higher for cows on the LF diet compared to those on the HF diet. Milk fat and milk urea nitrogen (MUN) concentrations were greater for cows on the HF diet, while milk protein concentration was higher for cows on the LF diet. Interestingly, DFM supplementation led to a lower respiration rate in the morning, suggesting a potential benefit in reducing heat stress. However, rectal temperature was higher in cows on the LF diet compared to those on the HF diet. These findings indicate that while high-forage diets could reduce feeding costs, non-forage fiber sources like soy hulls might be beneficial when forage quality or availability is an issue. This study builds upon previous research that has explored the effects of various dietary components on dairy cow performance. For instance, an earlier study found that including soy hulls as a partial roughage replacement increased DMI and milk production, likely due to improved digestibility and rumen conditions[2]. This aligns with the current study's observation that non-forage fiber sources can be valuable alternatives in certain situations. Moreover, the interaction between dietary components and ruminal fermentation is complex. Another study highlighted that the balance between fermentable organic matter and physically effective fiber is crucial for maintaining ruminal pH and overall cow health[3]. The current research adds to this understanding by showing how different forage levels and DFM supplementation can influence these dynamics, ultimately affecting milk production and cow health. Additionally, the positive effects of DFM supplementation observed in this study are consistent with findings from another research that demonstrated improvements in milk yield, protein yield, and nutrient digestibility with the inclusion of direct-fed microbials[4]. This suggests that DFMs can be a valuable tool in optimizing dairy cow diets, particularly under conditions of heat stress. In conclusion, the University of Wisconsin, Madison study provides valuable insights into how dietary fiber sources and DFM supplementation can influence lactation performance and feeding behavior in high-producing dairy cows. By considering both forage quality and the potential benefits of non-forage fiber sources and DFMs, dairy producers can make more informed decisions to enhance milk production, improve cow health, and manage feeding costs effectively.

AgricultureNutritionAnimal Science

References

Main Study

1) Dietary fiber source and direct-fed microbial supplementation effects on lactation performance and feeding behavior of high-producing dairy cows.

Published 19th July, 2024

https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2024-25033

Related Studies

2) Effect of feeding cows in early lactation with diets differing in roughage-neutral detergent fiber content on intake behavior, rumination, and milk production.

https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2009-2078

3) Relationship between fermentation acid production in the rumen and the requirement for physically effective fiber.

Journal: Journal of dairy science, Issue: Vol 80, Issue 7, Jul 1997

4) Effects of the addition of direct-fed microbials and glycerol to the diet of lactating dairy cows on milk yield and apparent efficiency of yield.

https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2010-3984


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