Effect of physically effective neutral detergent fibre and moisture content in fermented total mixed ration on lactating cow performance

Abstract

This experiment aimed to determine the effectiveness of physically effective neutral detergent fibre as peNDF1.18 mm and the moisture levels of fermented total mixed rations (FTMR) in lactating cow performance. Eight crossbred Holstein cows with 430±17.1 kg BW in mid-lactation were used in a 4 × 4 replicated Latin square design (LSD). The treatments consisted of 20 and 25% physically effective neutral detergent fibre (peNDF) and 30 and 60% moisture contents. The results showed that DMI, and DMI of %BW0.75 were increased in 20 and 25% of peNDF with 30% moisture content. CP, EE, NDF, ADF and NFC digestibility was increased on 25% peNDF with 60% moisture content in FTMR. Acetate was increased in 25% peNDF (P less than 0.05), but propionate was higher in 20% peNDF compared to 25% peNDF. Milk fat percentage was increased in 25% peNDF. No differences were observed in blood glucose and BUN. Consequently, 20 and 25% peNDF1.18 mm with 60% moisture content in FTMR were the optimum levels for lactating cows.