Cattle Rations Research Articles

The effect of increasing canola oil and soybean oil addition to beef cattle rations based on corn silage and barley grain on the in vitro ruminal gas production and rumen fermentation

AbstractThe purpose of the current experiment was to determine the effects of ruminal fermentation parameters of the additions of canola or soybean oils at different rates (4, 8 and 12%) to beef cattle total mix rations (TMR), based on corn silage and barley grain. The addition of 4% soybean oil to TMR positively affected in vitro gas production, net energy lactation (NEL), metabolic energy (ME), and organic matter digestion (OMd). The additions of 8% and 12% of soybean oil to TMR linearly decreased ME, NEL and OMd (p < 0.05). The additions of 4, 8 and 12% canola oil to the TMR linearly decreased the in vitro gas production and estimated fermentation values (ME, NEL and OMd) (p < 0.05). All doses of soybean or canola oils in TMR reduced the molarities of total short‐chain fatty acids (tSFCA), acetic (AA), butyric (BA), propionic (PA), valeric (VA), iso‐valeric (IVA) and iso‐butyric acids (IBA) for in vitro fermentation fluid (p < 0.05). There was a negative correlation between the increasing dietary stearic, oleic and linoleic acid and the end‐products of in vitro rumen fermentation. However, increasing dietary α‐linolenic acids had no adverse effect on in vitro ruminal fermentation end‐products. As a result, 4% addition of the soybean oil, which included a higher rate of α‐linolenic acid and saturated fatty acids and a lower rate of oleic, linoleic acids according to those of canola oil, to the TMR positively affected in vitro ruminal fermentation. In addition, the ≥8% addition of canola or soybean oil adversely affected the in vitro fermentation values.

Effects of bacteriocin-producing Lactiplantibacillus plantarum on bacterial community and fermentation profile of whole-plant corn silage and its in vitro ruminal fermentation, microbiota, and CH4 emissions

BackgroundSilage is widely used to formulate dairy cattle rations, and the utilization of antibiotics and methane emissions are 2 major problems for a sustainable and environmentally beneficial ruminant production systems. Bacteriocin has received considerable attention because of its potential as an alternative to antibiotics in animal husbandry. However, the impact of bacteriocin-producing lactic acid bacteria on the microbiological conversion process of whole-plant corn silage and rumen fermentation remains limited. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of 2 class IIa bacteriocin-producing strains Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ATCC14917 and CICC24194 on bacterial community composition and ensiling profiles of whole-plant corn silage and its in vitro rumen fermentation, microbiota, and CH4 emissions.ResultsBoth bacteriocin-producing strains increased the lactic acid concentration in silage fermented for 7 d, whereas the lowest lactic acid was observed in the ATCC14917 inoculated silage fermented for 90 d (P < 0.05). The highest DM content was observed in the CICC24194 treatment (P < 0.05), and the silages treated with both strains had the lowest DM loss (P < 0.05). Bacteriocin-producing strains promoted the growth of Levilactobacillus brevis on d 60 of ensiling. In addition, treatment with bacteriocin-producing strains increased the in vitro DM digestibility (P < 0.05) and decreased the CH4 production (P < 0.05). The results of random forest and clustering analyses at the genus level showed that ATCC14917 increased the relative abundance of the influential variable Bacillus compared to that in the control group, whereas CICC24194 decreased the relative abundance of the influential variable Ruminococcaceae UCG-005. The CICC24194 treatment had the lowest total bacterial, fungal, protozoan, and methanogen populations (P < 0.05).ConclusionsBoth class IIa bacteriocin-producing L. plantarum strains improved the fermentation quality of whole-plant corn silage by regulating the bacterial community composition during ensiling, with CICC24194 being the most effective. Both bacteriocin-producing strains mitigated CH4 production and improved digestibility by modulating the interactions among rumen bacteria, protozoa, methanogens, and the composition of fibrolytic bacteria.

In vitro evaluation of ruminal digestibility and fermentation characteristics of local feedstuff-based beef cattle ration

Background: Optimum productivity of beef cattle is achieved with adequate feed supply, both in quality and quantity. Consumption of local feedstuff Neptunia plena L. Benth and Leersia hexandra Swartz as a ration by the animal subject is expected to promote cost efficiency and production, as well as provide essential nutrition needs. Therefore, this research aimed to evaluate dry matter digestibility (DMD), organic matter digestibility (OMD), N-NH3 production, and volatile fatty acid (VFA) in beef cattle. Methods: Feed and rumen inoculum samples were prepared and analyzed for their proximate contents. There were five treatment groups based on the diet received by beef cattle. In vitro approaches were used to determine the DMD, OMD, N-NH3 production, and VFA in beef cattle. The research was conducted in the Laboratory of Feed Nutrient Science, Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Agriculture, Diponegoro University, Semarang. The data were analyzed using ANOVA at a significance level of 95%, and a Duncan Multiple Range Test. Results: The results showed that the highest DMD (P&lt;0.05) was derived from T5 (56.47%), followed by T4 (56.45%) and T3 (55.90%). T5=62.40% significantly (P&lt;0.05) generated the highest OMD followed by T4=61.95% and T3=60.82%. This treatment had the highest N-NH3 value, namely 5.02 mM, compared with T3=4.55 mM, T4=4.50 mM, T2=4.22 mM, and T1=3.99 mM. Furthermore, T5 had the highest VFA (P&lt;0.05) compared with T4, T3, T2, and T1 with the value of 150.5, 133.0, 130.5, 130.0, and 123.5 mM, respectively. Conclusions: The local feedstuff-based ration contributed to beef cattle production.

Effectiveness of integrated use of non-conventional additives in the feeding of young cattle

It is known that eff ective feed additives include pine fl our, zeolites and mineral salts. The purpose of the work was to investigate the eff ectiveness of the integrated inclusion of local non-conventional feed additives in the rations of young cattle of Simmental breed under the conditions of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). Scientifi c and production evaluation of the results obtained was carried out under the conditions of the Lonkur peasant farm in the Suntar district of Western Yakutia. The scientifi c and production experiment was carried out in accordance with generally accepted methodological recommendations in the fi eld of feeding of farm animals. It was found during the experiment that the integrated inclusion of non- conventional feed additives in the rations of young cattle of Simmental breed contributed to an increase in the weight growth rate of animals in the experimental group to 610 g/day (versus 560 g/day in the control group). As a result, the live weight of the animals in the experimental group was 386.8 kg, and in the control group it was 375.7 kg or the absolute gain in live weight was 128.1 and 117.6 kg, respectively, for the groups. Due to the additional gain in live weight in the experimental group (525 kg), an economic eff ect was obtained in it, which amounted to 152.25 thousand rubles or 14.5 rubles per day for 1 head. It was found as a result of experiment that in the experimental group the level of profitability was 8.21 %, while in the control group it was only 1.77 %. We note that scientific and production testing confirmed the trend that we had previously established in scientific and economic experiments. Thus, the research base was updated in terms of economic indicators with the use of experimental non-conventional feed additives when rearing of young cattle, which shows the promise and practical feasibility of their use under the conditions of Western Yakutia.

The use of improved premix recipes in rations of cattle

Complete balanced feeding of farm animals cannot be organized without the use of various balancing additives, in particular premixes. It is important to note that the greatest eff ect from the use of premixes is observed when their recipes are developed taking into account specifi c feeding and housing conditions. The purpose of this work was to study the eff ectiveness of using improved premix recipes based on an analysis of the actual nutritional value of feed in the rations of lactating cows and calves. During the research, two experiments were carried out. The experiments were carried out at the Staraya Chigla livestock complex in the Anninsky district of the Voronezh region. In the experiment on cows, 20 animals were selected, which were divided into two groups (control and experimental) of 10 heads in each using the method of analogue pairs. In an experiment to study the eff ectiveness of the premix in feeding of young animals, two groups of calves of 12 heads in each were similarly formed. Animals of the control groups received farm rations with the premix developed without taking into account the analysis of the nutritional value of the rations. In the experimental groups, cows and calves received new and improved premixes developed based on these specific feeding conditions. The use of the premix with an improved recipe in the rations of cows made it possible to increase the average daily milk yield by 5,61 %, the fat content by 0,05 abs.% and the protein content in milk by 0,15 abs.%. At the same time, there was an increase in the level of digestibility of dry matter by 1,25 abs.%, organic matter by 1,07 abs.%, crude protein by 1,56 abs.%, crude fat by 1,63 abs.%, crude fi ber by 1,08 abs.%, nitrogen-free extractive substances by 1,87 abs.%. Calculation of feed intake for the synthesis of 1 kg of milk showed that they were lower in the experimental group by 0,31 MJ of net lactation energy and 2,97 g of digestible protein. Positive results were also obtained in experiments on calves. The use of the premix developed on the basis of the actual nutritional value of feed and rations, made it possible to increase the live weight of heifers at 12 months of age by 5,04 %, the average daily gain in live weight during the experimental period by 5,74 %, the relative gain by 1,91 abs.%.

Cholesterol and Blood Profile of Bali Cattle Fed Chromolaena odorata Weed with Rice Straw as Basal Feed

This study aims to determine the effect of the level of C. odorata (CO) silage-based concentrate on the blood profiles of Bali cattle. Three male Bali cattle (initial 2 years old with CV = 19,28%) were randomly assigned to one of three meals: rice straw and concentrates containing C.odorata silage 30% (RCO30) or C.odorata silage 40% (RCO40) or C.odorata silage 50% (RCO50), respectively, using a 3 x 3 Latin Square Design. The was no significant effect between treatments (P&gt; 0.05) on blood cholesterol (195.74-220.49 mg/dL), blood urea (48.41-49.44 mg/dL), total blood plasma (6.08-6.93 g/dL), blood haemoglobin (Hb; 18.18-18.92 g/dL), hematocrit levels (45.56-53.03%), erythrocytes (7.06-8.24 106/l), and leucocytes (8.56-8.84/l). Blood glucose levels, however, differed significantly (P&lt;0.05) between treatment. Feeding Bali cattle with different levels of C.odorata-based concentrate resulted in the same effect on all blood parameters except blood glucose. Therefore, it is recommended that the use of C.odorata in a ration of Bali cattle can be up to 50%.

Optimization of Feed Ration Cost in Dairy Cattle by Genetic Algorithm

Feeding animals is one of the important problems of those dealing with livestock breeding. In order for animals to live a healthy life, they need to have adequate and balanced nutrition. Providing nutrients from cheaper sources has an important place in animal husbandry. In this study, it was aimed to prepare low-cost feed rations for dairy cattle with Genetic Algorithm (GA). In the experiments, a milk yield of 20 and 25 Kg with 3.5% fat was targeted, taking as reference dairy cattle with a body weight of 450 to 600 Kg in the 10th lactation week. GA's results were compared to the National Dairy Council's raw milk production cost in June 2023, yielding an approximately 20% gain in feed cost.

Knowledge Gaps on the Utilization of Fossil Shell Flour in Beef Production: A Review.

Population growth in many countries results in increased demand for livestock production and quality products. However, beef production represents a complex global sustainability challenge, including meeting the increasing demand and the need to respond to climate change and/or greenhouse gas emissions. Several feed resources and techniques have been used but have some constraints that limit their efficient utilization which include being product-specific, not universally applicable, and sometimes compromising the quality of meat. This evokes a need for novel techniques that will provide sustainable beef production and mitigate the carbon footprint of beef while not compromising beef quality. Fossil shell flour (FSF) is a natural additive with the potential to supplement traditional crops in beef cattle rations in response to this complex global challenge as it is cheap, readily available, and eco-friendly. However, it has not gained much attention from scientists, researchers, and farmers, and its use has not yet been adopted in most countries. This review seeks to identify knowledge or research gaps on the utilization of fossil shell flour in beef cattle production, with respect to climate change, carcass, and meat quality. Addressing these research gaps would be a step forward in developing sustainable and eco-friendly beef production.

Enterosorbent from modified glauconite concentrate in the feeding of young cattle

Currently, the fi rst place is taken by the qualities of feed additives used in feeding highly productive cattle, such as biological and sorption activity, harmlessness and bioavailability. For this reason, recently there has been a significant increase in scientific and practical interest in the use of feed additives that help not only increase the productivity of farm animals, but also improve their health. The purpose of the work was to study enterosorbent from a modifi ed glauconite concentrate in feeding young cattle. A study of glauconite from the Bondar deposit in the Tambov region as a feed additive in the ratrions of young cattle was carried out. New knowledge has been obtained about the sorption properties of this mineral, its eff ect on the absorption and excretion of various metals from the body of animals, including micro- and macronutrients, as well as metal pollutants. Safe eff ective doses of its introduction into animal rations have been determined. It was experimentally fed to older replacement young animals as part of a mono feed. It has been established that the use of enterosorbent based on a modifi ed glauconite concentrate in the ration of young cattle at a dose of 0,2 g/kg of live weight helped to remove nickel from the body of animals up to 60 %, and lead up to 36 % of the total amount, which on average was excreted in feces. The sorbent showed average effi ciency in relation to copper approximately 13 % of its amount is bound and excreted in feces. In this case, the mineral accumulated in the digestive tract of animals for 3–4 days. Under conditions of copper defi ciency in feed, sorbent retention promoted better absorption of inorganic forms of this nutrient consumed with mineral additives.

The Balance of Rumen Degradable Protein with Non-Fiber Carbohydrate in Cattle Rations and its Effect on Total Gas Production, Gas Kinetics and Methane Gas Production

The Balance of Rumen Degradable Protein with Non-Fiber Carbohydrate in Cattle Rations and its Effect on Total Gas Production, Gas Kinetics and Methane Gas Production

Unsaturated fat supplemented in the form of Ca-soap and prill fat in dairy cattle ration: In vitro study

Unsaturated fat supplemented in the form of Ca-soap and prill fat in dairy cattle ration: In vitro study

Micro-encapsulated Vegetable Oils Supplementation in Dairy Cattle Ration: In Vitro Fermentation and Digestibility Study

Micro-encapsulated Vegetable Oils Supplementation in Dairy Cattle Ration: In Vitro Fermentation and Digestibility Study

In Vitro Rumen Fermentability and Physical Properties of Bali Cattle Ration Based on Agro-Industrial by-Product with Different Ratio of Rumen Degradable Protein and Non-Fiber Carbohydrate

In Vitro Rumen Fermentability and Physical Properties of Bali Cattle Ration Based on Agro-Industrial by-Product with Different Ratio of Rumen Degradable Protein and Non-Fiber Carbohydrate

Yüksek Düzeyde Konsantre Yem ve Kuru Kaba Yem İçeren Besi Sığırı Rasyonlarında DL-Malik Asitin Besi Performansı ve Rumen Parametreleri Üzerine Etkinliği

This study aimed to determine the effects of DL-malic acid supplementation in beef cattle rations containing high concentrated feed and dry forage (alfalfa hay and wheat straw) on fattening performance, carcass traits and ru- men parameters. In present study, 47 male beef cattle (19 Simmental, 28 Limousine) at the age of 14-16 months were used. Cattle breeds were divided into two groups (0 and 30 g/day of DL-malic acid). In the present study, the differ- ences in live weights, daily live weight gains and carcass weights of the control and DL-malic acid groups were found to be significant in Simmental breed (P&amp;lt;0.05), but insignificant in Limousine breed. The beef cattle body measurements (withers height, chest girth, rump height, body length) did not change with malic acid supplementation (P&amp;gt;0.05).The malic acid addition increased the molarities of acetic, butyric, propionic and total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) and acetic acid/ propionic acid ratio in the rumen fluid (P&amp;lt;0.05).The addition of malic acid had no significant effect on the number of ciliated protozoa (Entodinium, Diplodinium, Isotricha and Dasytricha) and total bacteria count in the rumen fluid (P&amp;gt;0.05). As a result, DL-malic acid supplementation to beef cattle ration varied with cattle breeds in terms of fattening performance, while such supplementations had positive effect on fattening in Simmental breed. Besides, the increase in TVFA and acetic, propionic and butyric acids, which are indicators of fiber and carbohydrate fermentation efficiency in the rumen, shows that malic acid has a positive effect on feed digestion in the rumen.

The effects of long-chain fatty acids supplemented to rations during the transition and early lactation periods on reproductive performance in Simmental cattle with low estrus signs

This study is based on the hypothesis that adding rumen bypass unsaturated fatty acids to rations during the transition and early lactation periods will reduce metabolic stress, milk fat synthesis, and milk fat concentration, increase the prevalence of estrus signs and fertilization rates and facilitate the implantation of the embryo. Thus, it was aimed to reveal the effects of calcium soap of long-chain fatty acids (CSFA) added to rations during the transition and early lactation periods in Simmental cattle with low estrus signs. Primiparous and multiparous Simmental cattle were used in the study. The animals were divided into two groups by random sampling, including 62 animals in the CSFA diet group and 44 animals in the basal ration (control; C) group. The modified Ovsynch protocol was used as the synchronization protocol. Pre-ovulatory follicle and uterine tension values were not significantly different between the CSFA and C groups (p>0.05). The rates of both the standing reflex and cervical mucus were greater in the CSFA group than in C (p<0.05). Conception rates on the 30th-35th and 60th-65th days were greater in the CSFA diet group than in C (p<0.05). Consequently, in this study, a positive correlation was identified between the appearance of estrus signs at the time of TAI application and conception outcomes. It was determined that supplementing 800 g/day CSFA to the rations of Simmental cattle with low rates of estrus signs in the transition and early lactation periods increased estrus signs and conception rates.

PSIV-3 The Effects of Feeding Sprouted Barley on Rumen Health of Backgrounded Steers

Abstract By the year 2050 the world population is expected to reach 9.7 billion, which increases the demand for beef production. Urbanization continues to decrease available cropland, resulting in a need for innovative technologies to produce livestock feed. Controlled environment vertical farming systems are an alternative technology that can be used to produce feed. This research assesses the effects of including sprouted grains grown in this type of system in the ration of backgrounding steers. A total of 60 commercial Angus steers (328.24 ± 6.48 kg) were each stratified into one of four treatment groups (n = 15). A typical ration for the region served as the control and treatment groups had a 5%, 10%, or 20% (DM) inclusion of sprouted barley. Rumen fluid was collected on days 0, 30, and 60 of the trial and analyzed for pH and volatile fatty acids (VFA). Data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS where day was analyzed as a repeated measure to assess the effects of treatment x day, treatment and day. VFA are presented as a percentage of the total VFA analyzed. There was a treatment x day effect (P = 0.006) on rumen pH where steers getting 5 or 20% sprouted barley had a lower rumen pH at days 30 and 60 than the other two treatment groups. However, it is important to note that all rumen pH values were at healthy levels. Additionally, there was a treatment x day effect (P = 0.01) for total VFA where all values were consistent at days 0 and 30 and then steers receiving 5 or 20% sprouted barley decreased compared with the other two treatments. A treatment x day effect (P = 0.0005) was also observed for acetic acid and demonstrated that on day 30 values decreased from day 0, but steers receiving 5 or 10% sprouted barley decreased most drastically, but at day 60 those receiving 10% sprouted barley was less than the other groups. Propionic acid was also altered by treatmentx day (P = 0.008) such that levels increased from day 0 to day 30 in all groups except those receiving 20% sprouted barley, and then a decrease was observed at day 60 in all treatments with steers receiving 5 or 20% sprouted barley having the least amounts. A treatmentx day effect (P = 0.05) was also seen for butyric acid and is described with an increase from day 0 to day 30 and then a slight decrease at day 60 with those receiving the 10% sprouted barley staying consistent from day 30 to day 60. These data demonstrate that including sprouted barley in the ration of backgrounding cattle has an effect on rumen pH and VFA production in the rumen, but all values stayed within an acceptable range.

PSIV-11 Effects of Sprouted Barley on Weights, Ribeye Area, Backfat in Growing Steers

Abstract As the climate of our world continues to change, alterations to traditional farming methods are necessary to adapt to the environment and available resources. Changes in weather and costs of feed, coupled with decreased availability of feed and labor necessitate alternative methods for livestock feed production. One alternative to traditional farming is the production of sprouted grains in controlled environment, vertical farming units. However, little research has been completed on how including these feeds in the ration of beef cattle impacts production. This research examined the effects of including sprouted barley in growing rations of steers relative to body weight gain, ribeye area (REA) and ribeye fat thickness (REFT). A group of 60 commercial Angus steer calves (328.24 ± 6.48 kg) were initially stratified by body weight into one of four different treatment groups (n = 15/group). The control group were fed a typical ration for the region and the three treatment groups were fed a ration that included barley sprouts at 5%, 10%, or 20% (DM). Steers were fed their treatment diets for 60 days and body weight and ultrasound images for REA and REFT were collected on days 0, 30, and 60. All data were analyzed using PROC MIXED procedure of SAS with day as a repeated measure to determine the main effect of treatment. Over time, REA, REFT, and body weight each increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in each treatment group. There were no differences (P &amp;gt; 0.10) in body weight or REFT due to treatment. REA tended (P = 0.09) to increase in steers receiving 20% sprouted barley compared with controlled steers, but no other differences (P &amp;gt; 0.10) were found in REA in other treatment groups. These data demonstrate that including sprouted barley in the ration at the levels analyzed has no negative effect on animal growth performance. Additional research needs to be conducted to determine whether there is an impact on other production parameters, such as economic viability.

PSVI-3 Effects of Sprouted Barley on Feeding Behavior and Dry Matter Intake in Growing Steers

Abstract Beef cattle production is a key component to the global food supply and is a valuable source of protein for human consumption. Decreased land and water availability in the Intermountain West region of the U.S. poses challenges for conventional production systems. An alternative option to overcome these challenges is through vertical, controlled environment farming. These systems are used to sprout cereal grains that can be used as feed for beef cattle. In this trial, 60 commercial Angus steers (328.24 ± 6.48 kg) were each stratified into one of four treatment groups (n=15). Treatment groups consisted of a typical ration for the region served as the control and treatments groups had a 5%, 10%, or 20% (DM) inclusion of sprouted barley grain. Animals were fed for 60 days and body weights were measured on days 0, 30, and 60. Intake and feeding behavior were measured throughout the 60 days by Vytelle bunk units. The PROC MIXED procedure of SAS was used to analyze all data where day was used as a repeated measure to determine the main effect of treatment. There was a treatmentxday effect (P = 0.006) on DMI demonstrating steers that received 10% or 20% sprouted barley had a linear increase in intake throughout the trial, where steers that received 0% or 5% sprouted barley showed a linear increase in intake over the first 30 days, but then plateaued the last 30 days of the trial. Additionally, a treatmentxday effect was observed for feed bouts (P = 0.0004) and bunk visits (P = 0.0001), showing that steers receiving 5% or 20% sprouted barley had consistent bunk visits and feed bouts throughout, where 0% sprouted barley increased the first 30 days then decreased the last 30 days, and 10% sprouted barley decreased over the first 30 days then increased the last 30 days. Treatment had no effect (P = 0.85) on weight gain over the trial period. These data demonstrate that including sprouted barley in the ration of backgrounding cattle has no effect on overall animal body weight gain, but does affect dry matter intake and feeding behavior.

Animal performance, carcass characteristics and beef quality of steers fed with a whole oat or maize grain-based diet

Aim of study: We evaluated the use of oat grain as an alternative source of energy to maize grain in high energy finishing diets. Maize crop production in arid and semi-arid areas is poor or non-existent. Thus, small grains such as oats have become an alternative in high energy rations due to their versatility and ease of cultivation. Area of study: Semiarid region of Buenos Aires province, Argentina Material and methods: Sixteen Angus steers were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments based on whole oats grain (OD) or whole maize grain (MD) for 61 days. Diets were formulated iso-nitrogenous and iso-energetic. Animal performance, carcass attributes and beef quality traits were evaluated. Longissimus thoracis steaks were wet-aged at 4°C for either 4 or 14 days. Main results: Similar results were found between OD and MD for the variables of performance, carcass evaluation and water retention in fresh meat. No interactions between diet and ageing period were found for any of the variables evaluated. The MD beef was lighter and had a redder appearance than the OD beef. The 4 days-aged beef showed higher values of L*, a* and b* and was more saturated than the 14 days-aged beef. However, the perception of beef colour by the human eye, evaluated through the CIEDE2000 metric, showed no differences among diets and ageing periods. Research highlights: Oat grain could be used in replacement of maize grain as an energy source in fattening rations of beef cattle, obtaining similar animal performance and meat quality.

Fermentability and Digestibility of Dairy Cattle Ration Containing Corn-NFC, Protected Soybean and Sulfur Supplementation

Protein is an essential nutrient for dairy cattle in order for them to produce milk. Ruminant protein value can be maximized by feeding autoclave-protected soybeans, non-fiber carbohydrate (NFC) from corn, and sulfur supplementation. The purpose of this study was to see how protected soybean protein, NFC corn, and Na2SO4 supplementation affected the fermentability and digestibility of dairy cattle rations. This study used a randomized block design with five treatments: rations without corn and soybeans (R1), rations with corn but no soybeans (R2), rations with corn and soybeans (R3), rations with corn and autoclave-protected soybeans (R4), and rations with corn, autoclave-protected soybeans, and sulfur supplementation (R5) (R5). As replications, the treatments were repeated four times. The ANOVA was used to analyze the data, which was then followed by an orthogonal contrast test. The treatment had no effect on pH, protozoal number, dry matter, or organic matter digestibility. Although treatment R3 produced significantly more ammonia (P0,05) than R4 and R5, R5 produced the most VFA and total bacteria. It can be concluded that rations containing protected soybean and corn as NFC sources, as well as sulfur supplementation, increase fermentability while decreasing in vitro digestibility.