Dairy

Direct-Fed Microbials Decreases Dry Matter Intake and Increases Feed Efficiency When Fed to Lactating Holstein Dairy Cows

Authors: Mathew R. O'Neil (Iowa State University) , Mohamed Osman (Iowa State University) , Eric D. Testroet (Iowa State University) , Wanda Kreikemeier (Nutrition Physiology Company) , Douglas Ware (Nutrition Physiology Company) , Donald C. Beitz (Iowa State University)

Abstract

Dry matter intake, milk production, and milk production efficiency were evaluated in 84 Holstein dairy cows fed either a control diet or a control diet plus the direct-fed microbial Bovamine. Neither milk nor ECM production were affected by feeding Bovamine. Feeding Bovamine, however, decreased DMI by 3.59%, resulting in an improvement in milk production efficiency and ECM production efficiency of 6.1% and 5.3%, respectively. Inclusion of Bovamine in dairy cattle diets should be considered to increase milk production efficiency.

Keywords: Animal Science

How to Cite: O'Neil, M. R. , Osman, M. , Testroet, E. D. , Kreikemeier, W. , Ware, D. & Beitz, D. C. (2005) “Direct-Fed Microbials Decreases Dry Matter Intake and Increases Feed Efficiency When Fed to Lactating Holstein Dairy Cows”, Iowa State University Animal Industry Report. 11(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/ans_air-180814-1162