Supplementation of a dried, fungal fermentation product with fibrolytic enzymatic activity in the diet of dairy cows on feeding behavior, metabolic profile, milk yield, and milk composition

Abstract

• Increased milk production from high-performance cows and decreased somatic cell count Supplementation with exogenous fibrolytic enzymes in the diet of ruminants can improve the use of nutrients by animals and, consequently, improve their productive performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementing a dried fungal fermentation product with residual fibrolytic enzymatic activity (MAXFIBER®, Provita Supplements, Pinneberg, Germany) on digestibility, feeding behavior, productive performance, milk quality, and various metabolic parameters of high-producing dairy cows. Thirty-six multiparous Holstein dairy cows were divided into two groups: one group with supplementation of 10 g enzyme/cow/day (GS; n = 18), top-dressed on a total mixed ration, and a control group (CG; n = 18) without supplementation. The results were analyzed using a randomized block design over a 23-day experimental period. Milk yield was evaluated daily, and milk and blood samples were collected on days 0, 14, 19, and 23 to analyze the composition and quality of the milk and blood metabolites. DMI and eating behavior were assessed daily using electronic automatic feeders. Cows that received the enzyme-supplemented diet had higher milk production (p = 0.05), lower somatic cell count (SCC) in milk (p = 0.003), and reduced milk fat (p = 0.01). The assessment of feeding behavior showed a higher frequency of access to feeders and meals per day (p = 0.001) in cows that received enzymes in their diet. Blood glucose levels tended to increase in the group with supplementation of the enzyme product (p = 0.09). However, the treatment had no effect (p > 0.05) on DMI and diet digestibility. Fibrolytic enzymes are a useful tool in dairy cow nutrition, increasing milk yield and reducing SCC in milk. Moreover, the enzymes change feeding behavior by increasing feeding frequency.