Effect of a Live Yeast Culture and Trimethylalkylammonium Stearate on the Performance of Milking Cows

Abstract

Summary Fifteen Holstein cows were used in a Latin-square design to evaluate the effect of a live yeast culture and Dynafac on the performance of cows. Grain rations were fed which contained no supplement, 1% live yeast culture, or 2g. of Dynafac per cow daily. Good alfalfa hay was used as the sole source of roughage. Rations containing either the live yeast culture or Dynafac did not appear to have any significant effect on the production of 4% FCM, butterfat test, or feed consumption. The average production of 4% FCM during the last six days of each period was 27.8, 27.3, and 27.3lb. per day for cows fed the control, live yeast culture, and Dynafac-containing grain rations, respectively. Cows fed the control ration gained more weight than the other two groups. Neither supplement had any effect on the health and general condition of the cows. Digestion and nitrogen balance data for dry cows fed the experimental grain rations indicated that the two supplements decreased crude protein digestibility and nitrogen utilization. There was an increased excretion of nitrogen in the feces. No evidence was obtained that either the live yeast culture or Dynafac improved the performance of milking cows.