Net Energy For Lactation Intake Research Articles

Evaluation of the net energy for lactation system and estimation of the energy requirements of dairy cows based on a comprehensive analysis of feeding trials

ABSTRACT Respiration experiments with high-yielding dairy cows in Northern Ireland have shown higher energy maintenance requirements than those used in the requirements standards of, e.g. France, UK, USA and Germany. Therefore, the current net energy for lactation (NEL) system of Germany was tested by comparing measured NEL intake with calculated NEL requirements based on a comprehensive dataset from feeding trials conducted at nine research institutions in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The relationship between NEL requirements and NEL intake is described by the equation: The equation indicates a systematic over-estimation of NEL requirements in the lower performance range and an under-estimation at higher energy intake levels. A multiple regression analysis was conducted by calculating metabolisable energy (ME) requirements [MJ/d] using metabolic body size (MBS) [kg0.75], milk energy performance (LE) [MJ/d] and body weight change (BWC) [kg/d]: These results indicate that the energy maintenance requirements are markedly higher than presumed in the feed evaluation systems commonly in use but confirm the results from Northern Ireland (0.600–0.660 MJ ME/kg0.75 MBS). ME efficiency for lactation is also higher (kL = 1/1.37 = 0.73) than that used in the systems and is also similar to the results of Northern Ireland with 0.64–0.69. The energy contribution of BWC derived by this equation is 12.1 MJ/kg (16.6 · 0.73) and distinctly lower than that of 21–25 MJ/kg presumed by the feeding standards, e.g. in Germany. Further, maintenance requirements were linked to milk yield (energy corrected milk (ECM) [kg/d]), as is practiced in the standard Australian energy system: These results demonstrate that maintenance energy requirements are partly dependent on milk yield. A differentiated analysis by stage of lactation showed that the regressions coefficients for MBS, LE and BWC change with lactation month; however, these findings apply especially to the first lactation months (i.e. in phases of intensive mobilisation).

Three-breed rotational crossbreds of Montbéliarde, Viking Red, and Holstein compared with Holstein cows for feed efficiency, income over feed cost, and residual feed intake

Rotational 3-breed crossbred cows of Montbéliarde, Viking Red, and Holstein (CB) were compared with Holstein (HO) cows for alternative measures of feed efficiency as well as income over feed cost (IOFC) and residual feed intake (RFI) during the first 150 d of first, second, and third lactations. Primiparous and multiparous CB (n = 63 and n = 43, respectively) and HO (n = 60 and n = 37, respectively) cows were fed the same total mixed ration twice daily with refusals weighed once daily. Feed was analyzed for dry matter content, net energy for lactation, and crude protein content. Body weight (BW) was recorded twice weekly. Daily production of milk, fat, and protein were estimated from monthly test days with best prediction. Measures of efficiency from 4 to 150 d in milk (DIM) were feed conversion efficiency (FCE), defined as fat plus protein production (kg) per kilogram of dry matter intake (DMI); ECM/DMI, defined as kilograms of energy-corrected milk (ECM) per kilogram of DMI; net energy for lactation efficiency (NELE), defined as ECM (kg) per megacalorie of net energy for lactation intake; crude protein efficiency (CPE), defined as true protein production (kg) per kilogram of crude protein intake; and DMI/BW, defined as DMI (kg) per kilogram of BW. The IOFC was defined as revenue from fat plus protein production minus feed cost. The RFI from 4 to 150 DIM for each lactation was the residual error remaining from regression of DMI on milk energy output (Mcal), metabolic BW, and energy required for change in BW (Mcal). Statistical analysis of measures of feed efficiency and RFI for primiparous cows included the fixed effects of year of calving and breed group. For multiparous cows, statistical analysis included breed as a fixed effect and cow as a repeated effect nested within breed group. Primiparous CB cows had higher means for FCE (+5.5%), ECM/DMI (+4.0%), NELE (+4.0%), and CPE (+5.2%) and a lower mean DMI/BW (-5.3%) than primiparous HO cows. Primiparous CB cows ($875) also had higher mean IOFC than primiparous HO cows ($825). In addition, mean RFI from 4 to 150 DIM was significantly lower (more desirable) for primiparous CB cows than HO cows. Likewise, multiparous CB cows had higher means for FCE (+8.2%), ECM/DMI (+5.9%), NELE (+5.8%), and CPE (+8.1%) and a lower mean for DMI/BW (-4.8%) than multiparous HO cows. Multiparous CB cows ($1,296) also had a higher mean for IOFC than multiparous HO cows ($1,208) and a lower mean for RFI from 4 to 150 DIM than HO cows.

Effects of timing of palmitic acid supplementation during early lactation on nutrient digestibility, energy balance, and metabolism of dairy cows

The objective of our study was to evaluate the effects of timing of palmitic acid (C16:0) supplementation during early lactation on nutrient digestibility, energy intake and balance, and metabolic responses of dairy cows. Fifty-two multiparous cows were used in a randomized complete block design experiment. During the fresh (FR) period (1-24 d in milk) cows were assigned to either a control diet containing no supplemental fat (CON) or a C16:0-supplemented diet [PA; 1.5% of diet dry matter (DM)]. During the peak (PK) period (25-67 d in milk) cows were assigned to either a CON diet or a PA diet (1.5% of diet DM) in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments considering the diet that they received during the FR period. During the FR period, compared with CON, PA increased DM digestibility by 3.0 percentage units and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility by 4.4 percentage units, and the increase in these variables was consistent over time. Although PA did not affect 18-carbon fatty acid (FA) digestibility, it decreased 16-carbon FA digestibility by 10.8 percentage units and total FA digestibility by 4.7 percentage units compared with CON. We observed a tendency for an interaction between treatment and time for total FA digestibility and 16-carbon FA digestibility due to the difference in FA digestibility between PA and CON reducing over time. Compared with CON, PA increased digestible energy intake by 3.9 Mcal/d, metabolizable energy intake by 3.5 Mcal/d, and net energy for lactation intake by 2.5 Mcal/d. The PA diet also increased milk energy output, negative energy balance, and plasma nonesterified fatty acid concentration and reduced plasma insulin concentration. We also observed a tendency for an interaction between treatment and time for energy balance due to cows receiving the PA treatment being in a greater negative energy balance over time. During the PK period, PA increased DM digestibility by 2.9 percentage units and NDF digestibility by 3.5 percentage units compared with CON. Although PA decreased 16-carbon FA digestibility by 7.0 percentage units, PA did not affect 18-carbon FA digestibility or total FA digestibility. Feeding PA during the PK period increased energy intake and milk energy output and did not affect energy balance. In conclusion, feeding a C16:0 supplement to early-lactation cows consistently increased DM and NDF digestibilities and energy intake compared with a control diet containing no supplemental fat. Feeding C16:0 markedly increased milk energy output in both the FR and PK periods but increased negative energy balance only in the FR period.

Effects of supplemental calcium salts of palm oil and chromium-propionate on insulin sensitivity and productive and reproductive traits of mid- to late-lactating Holstein × Gir dairy cows consuming excessive energy

This experiment compared insulin sensitivity, milk production, and reproductive outcomes in dairy cows consuming excessive energy during mid to late lactation and receiving in a 2 × 2 factorial design (1) concentrate based on ground corn (CRN; n = 20) or including 8% (DM basis) of Ca salts of palm oil (CSPO; n = 20), and (2) supplemented (n = 20) or not (n = 20) with 2.5 g/d of Cr-propionate. During the experiment (d 0-203), 40 multiparous, nonpregnant, lactating 3/4 Holstein × 1/4 Gir cows (initial days in milk = 81 ± 2; mean ± SE) were offered corn silage for ad libitum consumption, and individually received concentrate formulated to allow diets to provide 160% of their daily net energy for lactation requirements. From d -15 to 203, milk production was recorded daily, blood samples collected weekly, and cow body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS) recorded on d 0 and 203. For dry matter intake evaluation, cows from both treatments were randomly divided in 5 groups of 8 cows each, and allocated to 8 individual feeding stations for 3 d. Intake was evaluated 6 times/group. Glucose tolerance tests (GTT; 0.5 g of glucose/kg of BW) were performed on d -3, 100, and 200. Follicle aspiration for in vitro embryo production was performed via transvaginal ovum pick-up on d -1, 98, and 198. Mean DMI, net energy for lactation intake, as well as BW and BCS change were similar across treatments. On average, cows gained 40 kg of BW and 0.49 BCS during the experiment. Within weekly blood samples, CRN cows had lower serum concentrations of glucose, insulin, fatty acids, and insulin-to-glucose ratio compared with CSPO cows, suggesting increased insulin sensitivity in CRN cows. During the GTT, insulin-sensitivity traits were also greater in CRN versus CSPO cows. Supplemental Cr-propionate resulted in lower serum insulin concentrations and insulin-to-glucose ratio within CRN cows only, indicating that Cr-propionate improved basal insulin sensitivity in CRN but not in CSPO cows. During the GTT, however, Cr-propionate supplementation reduced hyperinsulinemia and insulin-to-glucose ratio across CSPO and CRN cows. Milk production, as well as number of viable oocytes collected and embryos produced within each aspiration, were not affected by treatments. Hence, replacing corn by Ca salts of palm oil in the concentrate did not improve insulin sensitivity in Holstein × Gir dairy cows consuming excessive energy during mid to late lactation, whereas Cr-supplementation was effective in improving basal insulin sensitivity in cows not receiving Ca salts of palm oil.

Effects of supplementation of a forage-only diet with wheat bran and sugar beet pulp in organic dairy cows

AbstractAlthough levels of concentrate supplementation are generally lower in organic as compared with conventional dairy cows, forage-only (FO) diets are not very common in organic dairy cows because of the resulting limited dry matter intake (DMI) and lower milk production. However, from the perspective of net food production, FO diets or forage diets supplemented only with by-products from the food processing industry, offer considerable potential because they do not compete with humans for food. The aim of the present study was therefore to investigate the effects of adding a mixture of wheat bran and dried sugar beet pulp [0.56:0.44 on a dry matter (DM) basis] to a FO diet on DMI, milk production, chewing activity and production efficiency. Seventeen multiparous and three primiparous mid-lactation Holstein cows were randomly assigned to one of two treatments, receiving either a FO mixture with hay and grass silage in equal proportions (FO) or the same forage mixture supplemented with a mixture of wheat bran and dried sugar beet pulp at a rate of 25% of dietary DM (25%BP). The experiment was conducted in a change-over design with two experimental periods of 7 and 6 weeks, respectively. Overall, feeding the 25%BP diet increased DMI and energy-corrected milk (ECM) yield by 1.8 kg d−1 as compared with cows fed FO. Feed conversion efficiency (kg ECM per kg DMI) and energy efficiency (kg ECM per 10 MJ net energy for lactation intake) were higher in FO, but cows fed FO were in a slightly negative energy balance and also tended to have a higher mobilization of body tissues as compared with cows fed 25%BP. In comparison with FO, cows receiving 25%BP showed less chewing activity per kg DMI or per kg neutral detergent fiber ingested. In conclusion, results from this feeding trial showed that adding wheat bran and dried sugar beet pulp to a FO diet increased DMI and milk yield and improved the energy balance when compared with a FO diet, although the magnitude of the milk yield response was lower than expected.

Effect of dietary net energy concentration on dry matter intake and energy partition in cows in mid-lactation under heat stress.

This study aimed to determine the net energy requirement of Holstein cows in mid-lactation under heat stress. Twenty-five multiparous Holstein cows were randomly allocated to five groups corresponding to five isonitrogenous total mixed rations, with net energy for lactation (NEL ) content of 6.15 (NE-6.15), 6.36 (NE-6.36), 6.64 (NE-6.64), 6.95 (NE-6.95), 7.36 (NE-7.36) MJ/kg of dry matter (DM), respectively. Throughout the experimental period the average temperature humidity index at 07.00, 14.00 and 22.00 hours was 72.1, 88.7, and 77.6, respectively. DM intake decreased significantly with the elevated dietary NEL concentration. Fat corrected milk increased quadratically, and milk fat content and milk energy (MJ/kg) reached the greatest in the NE-6.95 group with increasing dietary NEL content. Strong correlations were found between dietary NEL content and: (i) DM intake; (ii) NEL intake; (iii) milk energy (El ); (iv) El /metabolizable energy intake (MEI); (v) El /NEL intake, as well as between NEL intake and fat corrected milk yield (FCM). The suitable net energy required for dairy cows producing 1 kg FCM ranged from 5.01 to 5.03 MJ, was concluded from the above-stated regressions. Correlation between heat production (HP) and MEI could be expressed as: Log (HP) = -0.4304 + 0.2963*MEI (n = 15, R2 = 0.99, Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) = 0.18). Fasting HP was 0.3712 MJ/kg0.75 when extrapolating MEI to zero.

Future consequences of decreasing marginal production efficiency in the high-yielding dairy cow

The objectives were to examine the gross and marginal production efficiencies in high-yielding dairy cows and the future consequences on dairy industry profitability. Data from 2 experiments were used in across-treatments analysis (n=82 mid-lactation multiparous Israeli-Holstein dairy cows). Milk yields, body weights (BW), and dry matter intakes (DMI) were recorded daily. In both experiments, cows were fed a diet containing 16.5 to 16.6% crude protein and net energy for lactation (NEL) at 1.61 Mcal/kg of dry matter (DM). The means of milk yield, BW, DMI, NEL intake, and energy required for maintenance were calculated individually over the whole study, and used to calculate gross and marginal efficiencies. Data were analyzed in 2 ways: (1) simple correlation between variables; and (2) cows were divided into 3 subgroups, designated low, moderate, and high DMI (LDMI, MDMI, and HDMI), according to actual DMI per day: ≤26kg (n=27); >26 through 28.2kg (n=28); and >28.2kg (n=27). The phenotypic Pearson correlations among variables were analyzed, and the GLM procedure was used to test differences between subgroups. The relationships between milk and fat-corrected milk yields and the corresponding gross efficiencies were positive, whereas BW and gross production efficiency were negatively correlated. The marginal production efficiency from DM and energy consumed decreased with increasing DMI. The difference between BW gain as predicted by the National Research Council model (2001) and the present measurements increased with increasing DMI (r=0.68). The average calculated energy balances were 1.38, 2.28, and 4.20 Mcal/d (standard error of the mean=0.64) in the LDMI, MDMI, and HDMI groups, respectively. The marginal efficiency for milk yields from DMI or energy consumed was highest in LDMI, intermediate in MDMI, and lowest in HDMI. The predicted BW gains for the whole study period were 22.9, 37.9, and 75.8kg for the LDMI, MDMI, and HDMI groups, respectively. The present study demonstrated that marginal production efficiency decreased with increasing feed intake. Because of the close association between production and intake, the principle of diminishing marginal productivity may explain why increasing milk production (and consequently increasing intake) does not always enhance profitability. To maintain high production efficiency in the future, more attention should be given to optimizing rather than maximizing feed intake, a goal that could be achieved by nutritional manipulations that would increase digestibility or by using a diet of denser nutrients that would provide all nutritional requirements from lower intake.

Effects of excessive energy intake and supplementation with chromium propionate on insulin resistance parameters, milk production, and reproductive outcomes of lactating dairy cows

This experiment compared insulin resistance parameters, milk production, and reproductive outcomes in: (1) lactating dairy cows consuming adequate or excessive energy, and (2) lactating dairy cows consuming excessive energy and receiving or not Cr-propionate supplementation. Seventeen primiparous and multiparous, non-pregnant, lactating Holstein cows (initial days in milk=76±2) were assigned on d 0 to: (1) concentrate intake to meet their requirements of net energy for lactation (NEL) without Cr supplementation (MAN; n=5), (2) concentrate intake to exceed their NEL requirements without Cr supplementation (HIGH; n=6), and (3) HIGH with 2.5g/d of Cr propionate (HIGHCR; n=6). Throughout the experiment (d 0 to 210), cows were offered corn silage for ad libitum consumption, and individually received a corn-based concentrate twice daily. Concentrate intake was formulated to allow diets to provide 100% of daily NEL requirements of MAN, and 160% of daily NEL requirements of HIGH and HIGHCR cows. Cow BW, BCS, and milk production were recorded weekly. Blood samples were collected weekly, prior to and at 2 and 4h after the morning concentrate feeding. Six glucose tolerance tests (GTT) were performed, every 42d, by infusing cows with 0.5g of glucose/kg of BW. Follicle aspiration for in vitro embryo production was performed via transvaginal ovum pick-up 2d after each GTT. Increase in BCS from d 0 to 210 was greater (P≤0.04) in HIGH and HIGHCR vs. MAN. Milk production was similar (P=0.92) between treatments. Within weekly samples, serum non-esterified fatty acids concentration were greater (P≤0.05) for MAN vs. HIGH and HIGHCR. Serum insulin concentrations and insulin:glucose ratio were often greater (P≤0.05) for HIGH, intermediate for HIGHCR, and lesser for MAN (treatment×day interaction, P<0.01). During the GTT, serum insulin concentrations and insulin:glucose ratio were greater (P≤0.05) for HIGH compared with HIGHCR and MAN from 10 to 60min relative to the time of glucose infusion. Proportion of embryo produced per oocyte collected was greater (P≤0.02) for MAN vs. HIGH and HIGHCR, and similar (P=0.59) between HIGH and HIGHCR. In conclusion, lactating cows consuming excessive concentrate and NEL experienced increased insulin resistance and reduced proportion of embryo produced per oocyte collected compared with cows consuming adequate amounts of energy, whereas Cr-propionate supplementation was effective in alleviating insulin resistance caused by excessive NEL intake.

Effect of reduced energy density of close-up diets on dry matter intake, lactation performance and energy balance in multiparous Holstein cows.

Energy intake prepartum is critically important to health, milk performance, and profitability of dairy cows. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of reduced energy density of close-up diets on dry matter intake (DMI), lactation performance and energy balance (EB) in multiparous Holstein cows which were housed in a free-stall barn and fed for ad libitum intake. Thirty-nine dry cows were blocked and assigned randomly to three groups fed a high energy density diet [HD, n = 13; 6.8 MJ of net energy for lactation (NEL)/kg; 14.0% crude protein (CP) ], or a middle energy density diet (MD, n = 13; 6.2 MJ NEL/kg; 14.0% CP), or a low energy density diet (LD, n = 13; 5.4 MJ NEL/kg; 14.0% CP) from d 21 before expected day of calving. After parturition, all cows were fed the same lactation diet to d 70 in milk (DIM). The DMI and NEL intake prepartum were decreased by the reduced energy density diets (P < 0.05). The LD group consumed 1.3 kg/d (DM) more diet compared with HD group in the last 24 h before calving. The milk yield and the postpartum DMI were increased by the reduced energy density diet prepartum (P < 0.05). The changes in BCS and BW prepartum and postpartum were not affected by prepartum diets. HD group had higher milk fat content and lower lactose content compared with LD group during the first 3 wk of lactation (P < 0.05). The energy consumption for HD, MD and LD groups were 149.8%, 126.2% and 101.1% of their calculated energy requirements prepartum (P < 0.05), and 72.7%, 73.1% and 75.2% during the first 4 wk postpartum, respectively. In conclusion, the low energy density prepartum diet was effective in controlling NEL intake prepartum, and was beneficial in increasing DMI and milk yield, and alleviating negative EB postpartum.

Effect of feed restriction on reproductive and metabolic hormones in dairy cows

The objective of this trial was to evaluate the effects of feed restriction (FR) on serum glucose, nonesterified fatty acids, progesterone (P4), insulin, and milk production in dairy cows. Eight multiparous Holstein cows, 114±14 d pregnant and 685±39kg of body weight, were randomly assigned to a replicated 4×4 Latin square design with 14-d periods. During the first 8 d of each period, cows in all treatments were fed for ad libitum feed intake. Beginning on d 9 of each period, cows received 1 of 4 treatments: ad libitum (AL), 25% feed restriction (25FR), 50% feed restriction (50FR), and 50% of TMR replaced with wheat straw (50ST). Daily feed allowance was divided into 3 equal portions allocated every 8h with jugular blood samples collected immediately before each feeding through d 14. In addition, on d 12 of each period, blood samples were collected before and at 60, 120, 180, 240, 300, 360, 420, and 480min after morning feeding. The conventional total mixed ration and total mixed ration with straw averaged 15.1 and 10.8%, 32.1 and 50.5%, and 26.8 and 17.0% for concentrations of crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and starch, respectively. Cows that were feed and energy restricted had reduced dry matter intake, net energy for lactation intake, circulating glucose concentrations, and milk production, but greater body weight and body condition score losses than AL cows. Circulating concentrations of insulin were lower for cows fed 50FR (8.27μIU/mL) and 50ST (6.24μIU/mL) compared with cows fed AL (16.65μIU/mL) and 25FR (11.16μIU/mL). Furthermore, the greatest plasma nonesterified fatty acids concentration was observed for 50ST (647.7μEq/L), followed by 50FR (357.5μEq/L), 25FR (225.3μEq/L), and AL (156.3μEq/L). In addition, serum P4 concentration was lower for cows fed AL than cows fed 50ST and 25FR. Thus, FR reduced circulating glucose and insulin but increased P4 concentration, changes that may be positive in reproductive management programs.

Prepartum nutritional strategy affects reproductive performance in dairy cows

Negative energy balance during early postpartum is associated with reduced reproductive performance in dairy cows. A pooled statistical analysis of 7 studies completed in our group from 1993 to 2010 was conducted to investigate the association between prepartum energy feeding regimen and reproductive performance. The interval from calving to pregnancy (days to pregnancy, DTP) was the dependent variable to assess reproductive performance. Individual data for 408 cows (354 multiparous and 54 primiparous) were included in the analysis. The net energy for lactation (NEL) intake was determined from each cow’s average dry matter intake and calculated dietary NEL density. Treatments applied prepartum were classified as either controlled-energy (CE; limited NEL intake to ≤100% of requirement) or high-energy (HE; cows were allowed to consume >100%) diets fed during the far-off (FO) or close-up (CU) dry periods. Cow was the experimental unit. The Cox proportional hazard model revealed that days to pregnancy was shorter for CE (median=157d) than HE (median=167d) diets during the CU period [hazard ratio (HR)=0.70]. Cows fed HE diets during the last 4wk prepartum lost more body condition score in the first 6wk postpartum than those fed CE diets (−0.43 and −0.30, respectively). Cows fed CE diets during the FO period had lower nonesterified fatty acids concentrations in wk 1, 2, and 3 of lactation than cows fed HE diets. Higher nonesterified fatty acids concentration in wk 1 postpartum was associated with a greater probability of disease (n=251; odds ratio=1.18). Cows on the CE regimen during the FO period had greater plasma glucose concentrations during wk 1 and 3 after calving than cows fed the HE regimen. Higher plasma glucose (HG) concentration compared with lower glucose (LG) in wk 3 (HG: n=154; LG: n=206) and wk 4 (HG: n=71; LG: n=254) after calving was associated with shorter days to pregnancy (wk 3: median=151 and 171d for HG and LG, respectively, and HR=1.3; wk 4: median=148 and 167d, respectively, and HR=1.4). In the first 2wk after calving, cows that received HE diets in the FO period had higher concentrations of total lipids and triglyceride and greater ratio of triglyceride to glycogen in liver than cows fed CE diets. In conclusion, cows fed CE diets during the CU period had a shorter interval between parturition and conception, which may be explained by increased NEL intake during the first 4wk postpartum and lower incidence of peripartal diseases. Lower body condition score loss during the first 6wk postpartum and slightly higher glucose concentration at wk 3 likely contributed to improved reproductive performance.

Effect of feeding according to energy balance on performance, nutrient excretion, and feeding behavior of early lactation dairy cows

The objectives of this study were to evaluate 2 feeding strategies for early lactation cows on performance and efficiency of nutrient utilization. Fifty-eight Holsteins cows were blocked by parity and production during the pretreatment period and then randomly assigned at 21 d postpartum to a control diet [n=29; 16.2% crude protein, 1.64Mcal of net energy for lactation (NEL), 22% starch, and 19% forage neutral detergent fiber (NDF)] or a diet with caloric density manipulated weekly (precision diet; n=29; 16.2% crude protein; 1.59 to 1.68 NEL; 18 to 26% starch; and 16 to 22% forage NDF) to promote a calculated positive energy balance of 5Mcal/day. Diets were fed as total mixed rations and precision cows had their diets adjusted individually once a week, by feeding additional grain supplementation from 0 to 25% of daily dry matter (DM) offered, according to the energy balance of the preceding week. Energy balance was calculated daily and then averaged weekly. The study lasted from wk 3 to 19 postpartum, and nutrient digestibility, rumen fluid composition, urinary output, estimates of microbial protein synthesis, and feeding behavior were evaluated between wk 9 and 13 postpartum. Compared with controls, precision cows had similar DM intake (24.3kg/d), but NEL intake tended to be greater primarily between wk 4 and 8 postpartum. Yields of milk (45.2 vs. 41.9kg/d), milk components, 3.5% fat-corrected milk (44.0 vs. 40.8kg/d), and energy-corrected milk (43.4 vs. 40.2) were all greater for precision than control cows, resulting in greater energy-corrected milk production per kilogram of diet DM consumed (1.79 vs. 1.72). Precision cows produced more milk calories per kilogram of metabolic weight (0.227 vs. 0.213Mcal of NEL/kg), although the amount of consumed calories partitioned into milk (82.3%) and measures of energy status did not differ between treatments throughout the study. Glucose concentrations were greater throughout the day in precision cows compared with controls at 6 wk, but not 13 wk postpartum. Apparent digestibility of nutrients, composition of rumen fluid, mean and low rumen pH, and estimated rumen microbial N synthesis remained mostly unaltered by treatments. Although precision cows produced more milk true protein, measures of efficiency of dietary N use were not influenced by treatment. On wk 13 postpartum, precision cows consumed a diet with longer NDF particles, which resulted in a tendency for greater intake of NDF >8mm because of less sorting against the long particles than control cows. Meal pattern differed with treatment, and precision cows consumed feed more sparsely throughout the day, spent more time ruminating lying, and had similar meal duration (mean of 36.3min/meal) compared with control cows, but smaller meal size (3.33 vs. 3.64kg/meal). Results from the current study indicate that allocating dietary resources according to the individual needs of cows based on energy balance improves lactation performance compared with feeding a single total mixed ration, despite similar average nutrient intake between treatments. Improvements in performance are likely related to allocation of calories based on the needs of the cow and on shifts of feeding behavior that might favor intake of smaller meals.

Effects of forage type, forage to concentrate ratio, and crushed linseed supplementation on milk fatty acid profile in lactating dairy cows

The effects of an increasing proportion of crushed linseed (CL) in combination with varying forage type (grass or corn silage) and forage to concentrate ratio (F:C), and their interactions on milk fatty acid (FA) profile of high-producing dairy cows was studied using a 3-factor Box-Behnken design. Sixteen Holstein and 20 Swedish Red cows were blocked according to breed, parity, and milk yield, and randomly assigned to 4 groups. Groups were fed different treatment diets formulated from combinations of the 3 main factors each containing 3 levels. Forage type (fraction of total forage dry matter, DM) included 20, 50, and 80% grass silage, with the remainder being corn silage. The F:C (DM basis) were 35:65, 50:50, and 65:35, and CL was supplied at 1, 3, and 5% of diet DM. Starch and neutral detergent fiber content (DM basis) of the treatment diets ranged from 117 to 209g/kg and 311 to 388g/kg, respectively. Thirteen treatment diets were formulated according to the Box-Behnken design. During 4 experimental periods of 21 d each, all treatment diets were fed, including a repetition of the center point treatment (50% grass silage, 50:50F:C, 3% CL) during every period. Intake, production performance, and milk FA profile were measured, and response surface equations were derived for these variables. Shifting from 80% grass silage to 80% corn silage in the diet linearly increased dry matter intake (DMI), net energy for lactation (NEL) intake, cis-9,cis-12-C18:2 (C18:2n-6) intake, and milk yield, and linearly decreased cis-9,cis-12,cis-15-C18:3 (C18:3n-3) intake and milk fat content. Shifting from a high forage to a high concentrate diet linearly increased DMI, NEL intake, C18:2n-6 intake, and milk yield, and decreased milk fat content. Supplementation of CL linearly increased C18:3n-3 intake, but had no effect on DMI, NEL intake, milk yield, or milk fat content. Shifting from 80% grass silage to 80% corn silage linearly increased proportions of trans-10-C18:1 and C18:2n-6 in milk fat, whereas the proportions of trans-11,cis-15-C18:2 and C18:3n-3 linearly decreased. Significant interactions between CL supplementation and F:C were found for proportions of trans-10-C18:1, trans-15-C18:1, cis-15-C18:1, trans-11,cis-15-C18:2, and C18:3n-3 in milk fat, with the highest levels achieved when the diet contained 5% CL and a 35:65F:C ratio. The effect of supplementing CL on several milk FA proportions, including C18:2n-6 and C18:3n-3, depends significantly on the F:C ratio and forage type in the basal diet.

Rumen fermentation and production effects of Origanum vulgare L. leaves in lactating dairy cows

A lactating cow trial was conducted to study the effects of dietary addition of oregano leaf material (Origanum vulgare L.; OV; 0, control vs. 500g/d) on ruminal fermentation, methane production, total tract digestibility, manure gas emissions, N metabolism, organoleptic characteristics of milk, and dairy cow performance. Eight primiparous and multiparous Holstein cows (6 of which were ruminally cannulated) were used in a crossover design trial with two 21-d periods. Cows were fed once daily. The OV material was top-dressed and mixed with a portion of the total mixed ration. Cows averaged 80±12.5 d in milk at the beginning of the trial. Rumen pH, concentration of total and individual volatile fatty acids, microbial protein outflow, and microbial profiles were not affected by treatment. Ruminal ammonia-N concentration was increased by OV compared with the control (5.3 vs. 4.3mM). Rumen methane production, which was measured only within 8h after feeding, was decreased by OV. Intake of dry matter (average of 26.6±0.83kg/d) and apparent total tract digestibly of nutrients did not differ between treatments. Average milk yield, milk protein, lactose, and milk urea nitrogen concentrations were unaffected by treatment. Milk fat content was increased and 3.5% fat-corrected milk yield tended to be increased by OV, compared with the control (3.29 vs. 3.12% and 42.4 vs. 41.0kg/d, respectively). Fat-corrected (3.5%) milk feed efficiency and milk net energy for lactation (NEL) efficiency (milk NEL ÷ NEL intake) were increased by OV compared with the control (1.64 vs. 1.54kg/kg and 68.0 vs. 64.4%, respectively). Milk sensory parameters were not affected by treatment. Urinary and fecal N losses, and manure ammonia and methane emissions were unaffected by treatment. Under the current experimental conditions, supplementation of dairy cow diets with 500g/d of OV increased milk fat concentration, feed and milk NEL efficiencies, and tended to increase 3.5% fat-corrected milk yield. The sizable decrease in rumen methane production with the OV supplementation occurred within 8h after feeding and has to be interpreted with caution due to the large within- and between-animal variability in methane emission estimates. The OV was introduced into the rumen as a pulse dose at the time of feeding, thus most likely having larger effect on methane production during the period when methane data were collected. It is unlikely that methane production will be affected to the same extent throughout the entire feeding cycle.

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

Intake of net energy for lactation (NEL) 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 NEL intake, but no interaction was observed. The increase in NEL intake by cows fed low-forage diets was caused by increased dry matter intake, and the increase in NEL 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 NEL 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 (2.6kg/d) with no change in body condition. The differential partitioning of NEL may have been caused by nutrients other than NEL 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.

A Statistical Evaluation of Animal and Nutritional Factors Influencing Concentrations of Milk Urea Nitrogen

Data from 35 trials with 482 lactating cows fed 106 diets were used to study the effects of animal and dietary factors on the relationship between milk and blood urea N and the value of milk urea N in the assessment of protein status. In two trials, urea N in whole blood and in blood plasma were closely related (r2=0.952); the slope was not significantly different from 1.0, and the intercept was not significantly different from 0. Regression of milk urea N on blood urea N with a mixed effects model using all 2231 observations yielded the equation: milk urea N (milligrams of N per deciliter)=0.620×blood urea N (milligrams of N per deciliter) + 4.75 (r2=0.842); this model accounted for a significant interaction of cow and blood urea N. Single factors that yielded significant regressions on milk urea N with the mixed effects models were dietary crude protein (CP) (percentage of dry matter; r2=0.839), dietary CP per megacalorie of net energy for lactation (NEL) (r2=0.833), excess N intake (r2=0.772), N efficiency (r2=0.626), and ruminal NH3 (r2=0.574). When all factors were analyzed at once, 12 were significant in a mixed effects model. Blood urea N, body weight, yield of fat-corrected milk, dietary CP content, excess N intake, dry matter intake, and days in milk were positively related to milk urea N, and parity, milk and fat yield, dietary CP per unit of NEL content, and NEL intake were negatively related to milk urea N. In one trial, the mean urea concentration was 35 times greater in urine than in milk; lower proportions of total urea excretion in milk were observed in the a.m. sampling (1.8%) than in the p.m. sampling (3.3%). Measuring urea N in a composite milk sample from the whole day substantially improved reliability of data. The number of cows fed a specific diet that must be sampled to determine mean milk urea N within 95% confidence intervals with half widths of 1.0 and 2.0mg of N/dl was estimated to be 16 and 4, respectively.

Effects of Amount of Whole Cottonseed on Intake, Digestibility, and Physiological Responses of Dairy Cows

In Experiment 1, 27 lactating cows were fed complete rations ad libitum of 0, 15, and 30% whole cottonseed to examine the effects on intake, digestibility, blood gases, and blood metabolites. Dry matter intake declined linearly with increased cottonseed, but because of greater energy density, calculated net energy for lactation intake was not depressed significantly. Ether extract, crude protein, and calcium digestibility increased with cottonseed in the diet. Respiration rates declined with dry matter intake and increased cottonseed feeding; some blood gases were influenced by cottonseed feeding but not in a detrimental way. No data among 13 blood metabolites indicated effects of gossypol toxicity with 30% whole cottonseed in the diet.In Experiment 2, 24 dry, nonpregnant Holstein cows were offered complete rations ad libitum of 15, 35, and 55% whole cottonseed to measure responses in intake, respiration rates, and blood metabolites. The highest cottonseed diet significantly depressed intake of both dry matter and calculated net energy for lactation. Maximum dry matter from cottonseed eaten by an individual was 8.4 kg/d (average for 1 wk). Respiration rates declined parallel to intake. No evidence for gossypol toxicity was seen among data of 11 metabolites in blood.