Effects of Nutrient-Enhanced Fermented Cassava Pulp on Feed Intake, Rumen Fermentation, Milk Production, and Blood Metabolites in Dairy Cows
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Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of nutrient-enhanced fermented cassava pulp on feed intake, ruminal fermentation, milk production, and blood metabolites in dairy cows. Twelve Holstein Friesian cows with an average body weight of 450 ± 20.0 kg, in the 1st lactation, 130 ± 30 days in milk, and an average milk yield of 12.0 ± 2.0 kg/day were used in this experiment. Cows were fed a total mixed ration (TMR) containing 14% crude protein and were offered feed ad libitum. The experiment was conducted using an independent sample t-test design with two dietary treatments: a control group fed TMR without fermented cassava pulp (CON) and a treatment group fed TMR in which fermented cassava pulp replaced 20% of the diet on a dry matter (DM) basis (TREAT). The experiment lasted 59 days (a 14-day dietary adaptation period followed by a 45-day sample collection period). Feed intake and milk yield were recorded daily, while rumen fluid, milk, and blood samples were collected on days 0, 15, 30, and 45 of the experimental period to determine ruminal pH, ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) concentration, volatile fatty acid (VFA) profiles, milk composition, and blood metabolites. Results showed that on day 45, dry matter intake in the TREAT group was significantly lower than that in the CON group (P < 0.05). However, on days 30 and 45, cows fed the FCP diet exhibited significantly greater ruminal NH3-N concentrations, total VFA concentrations, and propionate proportions compared with the control group (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed between treatments in milk yield, milk composition, or blood metabolites. In conclusion, replacing 20% of the TMR with fermented cassava pulp enhanced rumen fermentation activity by increasing total VFA production and shifting fermentation toward greater propionate production, without adversely affecting milk production performance or the health status of lactating dairy cows.
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