异位酸对泌乳牛产奶性能和饲料消化率的影响

为研究异位酸对泌乳牛采食量、产奶量、乳成分、日粮养分消化率和血液代谢产物的影响,选用48头荷斯坦泌乳牛,按随机区组设计分成4组(对照、LBFA、MBFA和HBFA组),分别在日粮中添加异位酸0、30、60和90 g/d,进行110 d的饲养试验和10 d的消化试验。结果显示,MBFA和HBFA组干物质采食量显著高于LBFA和对照组(P0.05);各组奶牛体重变化差异不显著;MBFA和HBFA组产奶量和乳脂率显著高于对照组(P0.05);异位酸添加组乳蛋白率显著高于对照组(P0.05),饲料转化率显著低于对照组(P0.05)。异位酸添加组干物质、有机物、蛋白质和中性洗涤纤维消化率显著高于对照组(P0.05);MBFA和HBFA组酸性洗涤纤维消化率显著高于LBFA和对照组(P0.05)。异位酸添加组血浆葡萄糖、总蛋白质、生长激素释放激素、生长激素和胰岛素样生长因子浓度显著高于对照组(P0.05);各组游离脂肪酸浓度无显著差异;MBFA和HBFA组乙酰乙酸和β-羟丁酸浓度显著高于LBFA和对照组(P0.05)。综上可知,异位酸提高了泌乳牛采食量、产奶量和饲料养分消化率;其最佳添加量为60 g/d。     

饱和脂肪酸对泌乳中期热应激奶牛呼吸、体温和能量平衡的影响

为研究饱和脂肪酸对高温环境条件下泌乳中期奶牛呼吸、体温和能量平衡的影响.选择产后150 ～210 d的中国荷斯坦奶牛48头,根据产奶量、分娩时间和胎次分为对照组(SFA0)、1.5％ (SFA1.5)和3％( SFA3)饱和脂肪酸试验组.试验期间牛舍最小湿热指数(THI)在72以上.结果表明饱和脂肪酸可以显著提高奶牛产奶量、乳脂和干物质含量(P＜0.05),降低14:00牛的直肠温度(P＜0.05),但试验组之间差异不显著,添加量对14:00奶牛的直肠温度的效应呈显著的二次关系(P＜0.05),呼吸频率试验牛之间差异不显著.SFA0、SFA1.5和SFA3.0组的能量平衡分别为1.49 Mcal/d、0.27 Mcal/d和1.22 Mcal/d,差异不显著.日粮添加饱和脂肪酸降低了泌乳中期热应激奶牛日高温时间的体温,对呼吸频率和能量平衡无影响.     

精料和饱和脂肪酸对奶牛生产性能和乳中脂肪酸组成的影响

为研究高精料和饱和脂肪酸对泌乳早期奶牛生产性能和乳中脂肪酸组成的影响。选择产后55 d左右的泌乳高峰期奶牛30头,根据随机区组设计原则,按照产奶量、胎次和泌乳天数将奶牛分为对照组(C)、高精料组(HC)和饱和脂肪酸组(FA),分别饲喂以干物质为基础含精料40%,60%和40%添加3%饱和脂肪酸的等蛋白日粮。结果 HC组产奶量(26.53±3.72)kg/d和FA组产奶量(26.98±3.36)kg/d显著高于C组(24.43±2.63)kg/d。FA组乳脂含量显著高于HC组(P≤0.05),HC组有低于C组的趋势(P=0.15)。FA组短链脂肪酸的含量显著低于C组(P≤0.05),HC组与C组差异不显著;HC组长链脂肪酸的含量显著低于FA组(P≤0.05),与C组差异不显著。HC组饱和脂肪酸含量显著高于FA组(P≤0.05)、FA组单不饱和脂肪酸含量显著高于C组和HC组(P≤0.05)、HC组多不饱和脂肪酸高于C组(P≤0.05)、各组间共轭亚油酸(10c12t CLA)含量差异不显著。结论为饲喂高精料日粮能够提高产奶量、降低乳脂率、增加乳脂中中链饱和脂肪酸和多不饱和脂肪酸含量。日粮添加饱和脂肪酸能够提高产奶量、增加乳脂率、增加单不饱和脂肪酸含量。     

胍基乙酸对建鲤生产性能、体成分及肌肉能量代谢关键酶的影响

研究胍基乙酸(guanidinoacetic acid,GAA)对建鲤生产性能、体成分及肌肉能量代谢的影响。选取600尾平均体重为(23.23±0.14)g的建鲤随机分为4组,每组5个重复,每个重复30尾,分别投喂基础饲料(对照组)和在基础饲料中添加250、500和1 000 mg/kg GAA的试验饲料,试验为期42 d。结果表明:与对照组相比,添加250、500 mg/kg GAA可显著降低饵料系数(P0.05),但对体重、特定生长率、增重率、平均日采食量和成活率均无显著影响(P0.05)。添加GAA可显著提高脏体指数(P0.05),对肝体指数无显著影响(P0.05)。GAA对肌肉中粗脂肪、粗蛋白和粗灰分含量无显著影响(P0.05)。250 mg/kg GAA组可显著降低肌肉中丙酮酸激酶活性(P0.05);250、500 mg/kg GAA组显著降低琥珀酸脱氢酶活性(P0.05);1 000 mg/kg GAA组显著降低肌酸激酶活性(P0.05);GAA组均显著提高肌糖原含量(P0.05)。结果表明,饲料中添加胍基乙酸可降低肌肉中能量代谢关键酶的活性来改善其能量代谢,提高饲料转化率,以添加250 mg/kg GAA效果较好。     

全混合日粮(TMR)饲养技术对奶牛生产性能的影响

应用全混合日粮饲喂奶牛可有效保证奶牛采食的营养均衡,提高其干物质采食量,从而增加产奶量和提高牛奶品质.试验在北京市三元绿荷奶牛养殖中心南郊直属部金星牛场进行.试验组牛群采用TMR饲养技术饲喂,对照组牛群仍按传统的精粗分饲法饲喂.试验组和对照组日粮组成相同,均由精料、青贮、羊草、苜蓿及一些糟粕类组成.试验结果表明试验组奶牛干物质采食量比对照组提高2.5kg,平均日产奶提高1.05kg,差异显著(P＜0.05),平均乳脂率提高0.27个百分点,差异显著(P＜0.05),乳蛋白率有增加的趋势,但差异不显著(P＜0.05).     

叶酸对泌乳牛产奶性能和瘤胃发酵的影响

为研究叶酸对泌乳牛产奶性能、瘤胃发酵、纤维分解菌数量和酶活力的影响,选取36头荷斯坦泌乳牛,按随机区组设计分为4组,进行100 d的饲养试验,各组(对照、LFA、MFA和HFA组)叶酸添加量分别为0、35、70和105 mg/d。结果表明,各组泌乳牛干物质采食量和体重变化无显著差异;叶酸添加组产奶量显著高于对照组(P0.05);MFA和HFA组乳脂率显著高于LFA和对照组(P0.05);MFA组乳蛋白率显著高于其余各组(P0.05);各组乳糖率无显著差异;MFA和HFA组料奶比显著低于对照组(P0.05)。叶酸添加组瘤胃pH值显著低于对照组(P0.05),总挥发性脂肪酸和乙酸浓度显著高于对照组(P0.05);各组丙酸浓度无显著差异;MFA和HFA组乙酸/丙酸显著高于对照组(P0.05)。MFA和HFA组羧甲基纤维素酶和纤维二糖酶活性及溶纤维丁酸弧菌和黄色瘤胃球菌数量显著高于对照组(P0.05);叶酸添加组木聚糖酶、果胶酶和α-淀粉酶活性与白色瘤胃球菌和产琥珀酸丝状杆菌数量显著高于对照组(P0.05)。叶酸促进了纤维分解菌的生长,改善了瘤胃发酵,提高了泌乳牛产奶性能;其最佳添加水平为70 mg/d。     

热应激对荷斯坦奶牛生产性能和乳脂脂肪酸组成的影响

为了时比研究热应激期与非热应激期荷斯坦奶牛产奶性能、乳成分质量分数和乳脂脂肪酸组成的变化,分别选择处于热应激期和非热应激期的荷斯坦奶牛作为阳性对照组和阴性对照组.结果发现热应激显著降低奶牛的产奶量、乳脂率和乳蛋白率(P＜0.05),但对乳糖率无显著影响(P＞0.05).热应激对乳脂中单个脂肪酸质量分数的影响不是很大,但对总饱和脂肪酸(SFA)和总不饱和脂肪酸(UFA)质量分数有显著影响.热应激奶牛的总饱和脂肪酸质量分数显著高于非热应激奶牛(P＜0.05),而总不饱和脂肪酸质量分数显著低于非热应激奶牛(P＜0.05).结果表明,热应激会影响奶牛的产奶量和乳成分,并可改变乳脂中总饱和脂肪酸和总不饱和脂肪酸的质量分数.     

混合型饲料添加剂对缓解泌乳奶牛瘤胃酸中毒作用的研究

研究混合型饲料添加剂对缓解奶牛瘤胃酸中毒的作用效果。选择荷斯坦泌乳奶牛130头,以添加混合型饲料添加剂前连续1周各项指标值作为试验前水平,以添加混合型饲料添加剂后2周内各项指标值作为试验后水平,试验期每头牛添加混合型饲料添加剂200 g/d。结果显示,添加200 g/(头·d)混合型饲料添加剂,可提高奶牛干物质采食量0.99 kg/d,产奶量增加1.44 kg/d(P0.05),血清脂多糖含量显著降低(P0.05)。说明该混合型饲料添加剂对缓解奶牛瘤胃酸中毒、恢复采食量与产奶量、降低血清脂多糖含量具有积极作用。     

脂肪酸钙与苜蓿干草对热应激奶牛产奶性能和血液指标的影响

选择2～4胎次泌乳中期的荷斯坦牛48头,配对分为4组,每组12头:CK(基础日粮)、Ⅰ组(基础日粮+400 g脂肪酸钙)、Ⅱ组(基础日粮+2.5 kg苜蓿干草)和Ⅲ组(基础日粮+400 g脂肪酸钙+2.5 kg苜蓿干草),于7～9月进行50 d的饲养试验,以研究添加脂肪酸钙或(和)苜蓿干草对热应激奶牛生产性能和血液指标的影响。结果表明:(1)添加脂肪酸钙或(和)苜蓿干草可以减缓热应激条件下奶牛产奶量的下降,提高产奶量,其中,Ⅲ组产奶量极显著高于CK(P0.01);(2)添加脂肪酸钙或(和)苜蓿干草有提高乳脂率的趋势(P0.05);(3)有提高血清T_4和COR水平的趋势(P0.05),且Ⅲ组血清T_3含量显著高于CK(P0.05)。     

外源消化酶对羔羊营养物质消化率及生产性能的影响

研究了外源消化酶对羔羊采食量、生长性能、消化性能以及羔羊营养物质表观消化率的影响.试验分4个组,试验1组饲喂基础饲粮为对照组,其他3组饲喂基础饲粮基础上添加不同外源消化酶组合,研究不同外源消化酶组合对羔羊日采食量、日增重和营养物质表观消化率的影响.结果表明:羔羊日均采食量2组和4组与1组差异显著(P＜0.05),其余之间差异不显著(P＞0.05);3周的平均日增重2组、3组、4均与1组差异显著(P＜0.05),但2组与4组间差异不显著(P＞0.05);干物质、能量、脂肪和无氮浸出物的表观消化率试验组均高于对照组(P＞0.05),但能量的表现消化率2组和4组均显著高于1组和3组(P＜0.05);粗蛋白的表现消化率试验组均显著高于对照组(P＜0.05),试验4组酶制剂组合效果最好.     

Production responses of dairy cows when fed supplemental fat in low- and high-forage diets

Intake of net energy for lactation (NE_L) is often the limiting factor for milk production and is affected by stage of lactation and dietary concentrations of forage and fat. Because of the mechanisms involved, interactions are likely between those 2 diet components and stage of lactation. We conducted an experiment with 72 Holstein cows starting at 21 and ending at 126 d in milk (DIM). Cows were fed diets (dry matter basis) with 40 or 60% forage (67% corn silage, 33% alfalfa silage) each with 0 or 2.25% added saturated free fatty acids. The high- and low-forage diets contained 25 and 17% forage neutral detergent fiber and 30 and 33% total neutral detergent fiber, respectively; the low-forage diets contained several byproducts. Diets with and without fat contained approximately 5.2 and 3.2% long-chain fatty acids, respectively. Feeding fat or low-forage diets increased NE_L intake, but no interaction was observed. The increase in NE_L intake by cows fed low-forage diets was caused by increased dry matter intake, and the increase in NE_L intake by cows fed fat was caused by increased energy density of the diet. Interactions between fat and forage were observed for energy utilization. When high-forage diets were supplemented with fat, the increased NE_L intake went toward body energy reserves as measured by higher body condition scores with no change in milk yield. However, when low-forage diets were supplemented with fat, milk yield increased (2.6 kg/d) with no change in body condition. The differential partitioning of NE_L may have been caused by nutrients other than NE_L limiting milk production in cows fed the high-forage diets. With low-forage diets, intake of other nutrients was greater (i.e., greater dry matter intake). At 35 DIM, dietary treatments had little effect on milk fatty acids composition but in later lactation (125 DIM), feeding supplemental fatty acids or feeding low-forage diets increased long-chain fatty acids and decreased short-chain fatty acids. However, treatment did not have marked effects on concentrations of total fat or protein in milk. The amount of forage in a diet influences cow responses to supplemental fat and should be considered when diets are formulated.     

Reducing milking frequency from thrice to twice daily in early lactation improves the metabolic status of high-yielding dairy cows with only minor effects on yields

Reducing milk production during early lactation might be of interest to improve the energy balance (EB) of high-yielding dairy cows. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine how reducing the milking frequency (MF) of high-yielding dairy cows from thrice to twice a day during the first 30 d in milk (DIM) affects yields, intake, efficiency, metabolic status, and carryover effects. To this end, 42 multiparous cows were divided into 2 groups according to their previous lactation performance, parity, and body weight. The control cows were milked 3 times a day (3ML) and the treated cows were milked twice a day (2ML) until 30 DIM and then both groups were milked 3 times a day. Milk samples were taken twice a week from 2 or 3 consecutive milkings until 45 DIM for analysis of milk solids, and both groups were followed until 100 DIM to determine the carryover effects of MF until 30 DIM. Individual dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield, and body weight were recorded daily. Blood samples were taken 3 times weekly from 14 d prepartum until 45 DIM. Milk yield during the first 30 DIM was 8.6% higher (49.3 and 45.4 kg/d, respectively), milk fat percentage was lower (3.96 and 4.27%, respectively), and the yields of all milk solids were higher in the 3ML cows than in the 2ML cows. Dry matter intake and 4% fat-corrected milk were similar between groups. The EB during the first 30 DIM was lower in the 3ML cows than in the 2ML cows, and milk yield, but not 4% fat-corrected milk yield, per unit of DMI was higher in the 3ML cows. No differences were observed between groups from 31 to 100 DIM in milk yield (～56.3 kg/d for both groups), milk solids yield, DMI, or milk/DMI; however, fat percentage was lower and EB was higher in the 3ML cows. Blood glucose concentrations between 0 and 30 DIM were lower and β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations were higher in the 3ML cows than in the 2ML cows, but nonesterified fatty acids concentrations were lower, which may be attributed to the lower clearance frequency of nonesterified fatty acids from the blood stream in the 2ML cows. A lower proportion of the 3ML cows (10%) ovulated ≤15 DIM compared with the 2ML cows (40%), with no beneficial effects on preovulatory follicle characteristics. Reducing the MF from thrice to twice a day during the first 30 DIM improved EB and metabolic status, with only minor effects on production.     

Infusion of long-chain fatty acids varying in saturation and chain length into the abomasum of lactating dairy cows.

Free long-chain fatty acids were infused into the abomasum of lactating dairy cows to determine postruminal effects on feed intake, production and composition of milk, nutrient digestibilities, and metabolites in blood. Four Holstein cows averaging 120 DIM and fitted with ruminal cannulas were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square design with 14-d periods. Treatments were abomasal infusions of 1) control, 168 g/d of meat solubles (carrier for fatty acids), 2) control plus 450 g/d of mostly saturated fatty acids (C16:C18 = .75), 3) control plus 450 g/d of a mixture of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids (C16:C18 = .40), and 4) control plus 450 g/d of mostly unsaturated fatty acids (C16:C18 = .11). Production of milk and milk components, DMI, and intake of digestible energy decreased linearly as unsaturation and chain length of infused fatty acids increased. Percentages of fat, CP, and SNF in milk and total tract apparent digestibilities of DM, OM, ADF, NDF, energy, and fatty acids were not affected significantly by treatments. Infusing fatty acids decreased proportions and yields of short- and medium-chain fatty acids and increased proportions and yields of unsaturated C18 fatty acids in milk fat. Increasing unsaturation and chain length of infused fatty acids linearly decreased proportion and yield of palmitic acid but increased proportions and yields of polyunsaturated C18 fatty acids in milk fat. Infusing fatty acids increased concentrations of NEFA and cholesterol in blood plasma. The profile of fatty acids reaching the intestine may be an important determinant of responses to supplemental fats fed to lactating dairy cows.     

Comparison of full-fat corn germ, whole cottonseed, and tallow as fat sources for lactating dairy cattle

Twenty-four multiparous Holstein cows (124 ± 39 d in milk; 682 ± 72 kg of body weight) were used in 6 simultaneous 4 × 4 Latin squares to evaluate full-fat corn germ as a fat source for lactating dairy cows. Experimental diets were a control (containing 28% ground corn, 23% alfalfa hay, 19% wet corn gluten feed, and 10% corn silage, dry matter basis), and 3 diets with either whole cottonseed (WCS), tallow (TAL), or full-fat corn germ (FFCG) added to provide 1.6% supplemental fat. Cows were fed twice daily for ad libitum intake. Dry matter intake, milk yield, and energy-corrected milk did not differ among diets. Efficiency of milk production (energy-corrected milk/dry matter intake) was greater for cows fed WCS than for cows fed the control, TAL, or FFCG. Milk fat percentage from cows fed FFCG was less than that of cows fed WCS or the control, but was similar to that of cows fed TAL. Milk protein percentage was less for cows fed FFCG than for those fed the control. Total saturated fatty acids were less in milk from cows fed fat sources, and cows fed WCS and TAL had greater saturated fatty acids in milk than did cows fed FFCG. Unsaturated fatty acids were greater in milk from cows fed FFCG than in milk from cows fed the control, WCS, or TAL. The cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid content was greater in milk from cows fed WCS, TAL, and FFCG than from cows fed the control, and it was greater in milk from cows fed FFCG than in milk from cows fed WCS or TAL. These results indicate that FFCG can be used effectively as a fat source in diets for lactating dairy cattle.     

Addition of protected and unprotected fish oil to diets for dairy cows. I. Effects on the yield,composition and taste of milk

Thirty Holstein cows in mid-lactation (158+/-20 DIM) were given a total mixed ration based on grass silage, maize silage and rolled barley. After a preliminary period of 1 week, this diet was supplemented with nothing (control), unprotected fish oil (3.7% of dry matter, DM), or two levels of glutaraldehyde-protected microcapsules of fish oil (1.5% and 3.0% of DM, respectively). Unprotected and protected supplements contained, respectively, 74% and 58% of DM as lipids. Cows given the unprotected supplement reduced their feed intake by > 25%. Consequently, these cows lost body weight and produced less milk. DM intake, body weight, and milk yield were unaffected by protected fish oil. Fish oil reduced both milk fat and protein percentages, and decreased the proportion of short-chain fatty acids, stearic, and oleic acids in milk fat. Milk trans C18:1 fatty acids increased in cows given both unprotected and protected fish oil. Milk fat content of very-long-chain n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, including C20:5 and C22:6, increased with fish oil in the diet. Accordingly, the peroxide index increased and a taste panel was able to detect unusual taste in milk from cows consuming the higher level of protected fish oil and disliked the milk from cows given unprotected fish oil. In conclusion, when lactating cows consumed fish oil, milk concentration of long-chain n3 fatty acids increased and mammary de novo synthesis of fatty acids decreased, but milk yield and milk protein content were reduced, and the milk was more susceptible to oxidation and its taste was adversely affected.     

日粮添加不同来源脂肪酸对奶牛脂质代谢及激素水平的影响

研究日粮中添加不同来源脂肪酸对泌乳中期奶牛脂质代谢及激素水平的影响。选择36头泌乳中期中国荷斯坦奶牛,采用随机区组设计,按照产奶量、胎次及泌乳日龄将奶牛分为对照组、中短链脂肪酸(SMC-FA)组和长链脂肪酸(LCFA)组。对照组饲喂基础日粮,SMCFA组和LCFA组分别在基础日粮的基础上添加400g/d SMCFA和400 g/d LCFA,正试期为56 d。结果显示,LCFA组奶牛血清中非酯化脂肪酸的含量显著高于对照组(P<0.05),其余组间差异不显著(P>0.05);血清中胆固醇的含量在SMCFA和LCFA组均有增加的趋势,但未达到显著水平(P>0.05);胰岛素样生长因子的含量在SMCFA组显著降低(P<0.05),其余组间没有显著差异(P>0.05);添加LCFA或SMCFA对奶牛血清中三酰甘油、高密度脂蛋白、低密度脂蛋白、生长激素及胰岛素均没有显著影响(P>0.05)。结果表明日粮中添加SMCFA对泌乳中期奶牛脂质代谢有一定的负面影响。     

Effect of saturated fatty acid supplementation on production and metabolism indices in heat-stressed mid-lactation dairy cows

Experimental objectives were to determine the effects of supplemental saturated fatty acids on production, body temperature indices, and some aspects of metabolism in mid-lactation dairy cows experiencing heat stress. Forty-eight heat-stressed Holstein cows were allocated into 3 groups (n = 16/group) according to a completely randomized block design. Three treatment diets consisted of supplemental saturated fatty acids (SFA) at 0 (SFA0), 1.5 (SFA1.5), or 3.0% (SFA3) of dry matter (DM) for 10 wk. Diets were isonitrogenous (crude protein = 16.8%) and contained 1.42, 1.46, and 1.49 Mcal of net energy for lactation/kg of DM for the SFA0, SFA1.5 and SFA3 diets, respectively. The average temperature-humidity index at 0700, 1400 and 2200 h was 72.2, 84.3, and 76.6, respectively. Rectal temperatures at 1400 h were decreased with fat supplementation. Treatment did not affect dry matter intake (20.1 ± 0.02 kg/d), body condition score (2.72 ± 0.04), body weight (627 ± 16.1 kg), or calculated energy balance (1.32 ± 0.83 Mcal/d). Saturated fatty acid supplementation increased milk yield, milk fat content, and total milk solids. Increasing fat supplementation decreased plasma nonesterified fatty acids (8%) but had no effect on other energetic metabolites or hormones. In summary, supplemental SFA improved milk yield and milk fat content and yield and reduced peak rectal temperatures in mid-lactation heat-stressed dairy cows. This demonstrates the remarkable amount of metabolic heat that is “saved” by energetically replacing fermentable carbohydrates with supplemental SFA.     

Effects of supplemental dietary biotin on performance of Holstein cows during early lactation

This study determined the effects of supplemental dietary biotin (0, 10, or 20 mg/d) on performance of Holstein cows (n = 45; 18 primiparous and 27 multiparous). Treatments started at 14 d prepartum and continued until 100 d in milk (DIM). Blood samples were taken at 14 d prepartum, and blood and milk samples were taken at calving, and 30, 60, and 100 DIM. Dry matter intake during lactation was not different across treatments (19.7 kg/d). Milk production linearly increased with biotin supplementation (36.9, 37.8, and 39.7 kg/d for 0, 10, and 20 mg/d of supplemental biotin, respectively). Biotin supplementation did not affect milk fat and true protein percentages or fat yield but linearly increased true protein yield. Supplemental biotin increased concentrations of biotin in plasma and milk at all time points. Concentrations of biotin in plasma and milk (colostrum) at calving were higher than at other time points for cows fed supplemental biotin. In an ancillary experiment, plasma biotin concentrations were not as high when cows were fed 20 mg/d of supplemental biotin for 14 d during the middle of their dry period as when cows were fed 20 mg/d of biotin for the last 14 d of gestation. This suggests that events associated with parturition altered plasma biotin concentrations. Plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, nonesterified fatty acids, and molar proportions of ruminal volatile fatty acids were not affected by biotin supplementation. Biotin supplementation had no effect on change in body weight or condition score. Supplemental biotin linearly increased milk and protein yields, however, the mode of action that caused these increases was not determined.     

Effects of fatty acid supplements on milk yield and energy balance of lactating dairy cows

Saturated and unsaturated fatty acid supplements (FS) were evaluated for effects on yield of milk and milk components, concentration of milk components including milk fatty acid profile, and energy balance. Eight ruminally and duodenally cannulated cows and 8 noncannulated cows were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design experiment with 21-d periods. Treatments were control and a linear substitution of 2.5% fatty acids from saturated FS (SAT; prilled, hydrogenated free fatty acids) for partially unsaturated FS (UNS; calcium soaps of long-chain fatty acids). The SAT treatment did not change milk fat concentration, but UNS linearly decreased milk fat in cannulated cows and tended to decrease milk fat in noncannulated cows compared with control. Milk fat depression with UNS corresponded to increased concentrations of trans-10, cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid and trans C18:1 fatty acids in milk. Milk fat profile was similar for SAT and control, but UNS decreased concentration of short- and medium-chain FA. Digestible energy intake tended to decrease linearly with increasing unsaturated FS in cannulated and noncannulated cows. Increasing unsaturated FS linearly increased empty body weight and net energy gain in cannulated cows, whereas increasing saturated FS linearly increased plasma insulin. Efficiency of conversion of digestible energy to milk tended to decrease linearly with increasing unsaturated FS for cannulated cows only. Addition of SAT provided little benefit to production and energy balance, whereas UNS decreased energy intake and milk energy yield.     

Butter composition and texture from cows with different milk fatty acid compositions fed fish oil or roasted soybeans

Changing the milk fatty acid composition can improve the nutritional and physical properties of dairy products and their acceptability to consumers. A more healthful milk fatty acid composition can be achieved by altering the cow's diet, for example, by feeding supplemental fish oil (FO) or roasted soybeans (RSB), or by selecting cows with a more unsaturated milk fatty acid composition. We examined whether feeding supplemental FO or RSB to cows that had a more unsaturated milk fatty acid composition acted additively to produce butter with improved fatty acid composition and texture. Using a 3 × 3 Latin square design with 2 replications, we fed diets to multiparous Holstein cows (60 to 200 DIM) chosen for producing either more or less unsaturated milk fatty acid composition (n = 6 for each group) for three 3-wk periods. The control diet contained 3.7% crude fat and the 2 experimental diets contained, on a dry matter basis, 0.8% of additional lipids in the form of 0.9% of FO or 5% of RSB. The milk, collected in the third week of feeding, was used to make butter, which was analyzed for its fatty acid composition and physical properties. Dry matter intake, milk yield, and milk composition were not significantly affected by cow diet or by cow selection. Cows that produced a more unsaturated and healthful milk fat prior to the feeding study, according to a “health-promoting index” [HPI = (sum of % of unsaturated fatty acids)/ (%12:0 + 4 × %14:0 + %16:0)], maintained a higher HPI in their butter during the feeding study than did cows with a low HPI. Milk from cows fed supplemental FO or RSB yielded more unsaturated butters with a higher HPI. This butter also was softer when the cows were fed RSB. Feeding RSB to cows chosen for their high milk HPI yielded the most unsaturated butter with the highest HPI and softest texture. Thus, selecting cows with a more health-promoting milk fatty acid composition and feeding supplemental RSB can be used in combination to produce butter that has a consumer-friendly texture and a healthful fatty acid profile.