Feeding installation for total mixed ration: effects on buffalo milk yield and composition

Abstract

Chemical and physical characteristics of dietary forage are involved in determining feed intake as well as in maintaining proper rumen function. On this regard, feeding installations could contribute in reducing feed selection activity: the aim of this study was to evaluate in buffalo cows the effects of TMR administration on the floor (group C) or in a experimental feed bunk (group F) on dietary particle size (g fraction’s DM·100 g DM-1) at different times after TMR distribution, milk yield and chemical constituents (solids not fat, protein and fat content), total bacterial count (TBC) and somatic cell count (SCC). Twelve multiparous Mediterranean Italian buffaloes (100±23 DIM) were divided into the two groups; buffaloes were fed the same diet (17.0 kg DM·head-1), consisting of 0.79 UFL·kg DM-1, 470.0 g NDF·kg DM-1 and 110.6 g CP·kg DM-1. The particle size analysis of TMR residues (at 24 hours) shows a significant (P<0.05) selection activity against coarse particles (>19 mm) in C group (16.4±1.6 g DM·100 g DM-1 vs. 11.0±1.6 g DM·100 g DM-1). Besides, a lower activity in TMR selection against fine dietary particles (<8 mm) is observed in F than in C group (54.0±3.3 g DM·100 g DM-1 vs. 45.0±3.3 g DM·100 g DM-1) at the same time. Feeding selection activity against the less palatable dietary particles seems to be more evident when TMR was offered on the floor; the significant effect of feed installation on milk fat content (C: 6.09±0.32 g·100 g-1 of milk; F: 6.99±0.28 g·100 g-1 of milk) seems to confirm this hypothesis. Results suggest that feeding installation could therefore exploit dietary forages, by affecting physical efficiency of the ruminal ecosystem.The authors thank Antonio e Michele Caporaso (Azienda “Di Fusco Vincenza”, S. Angelo D’Alife, CE, Italy) for their cooperation. Research supported by the University of Molise, Italy.