HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Davis, C. L. Articles by Beitz, D. C. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Davis, C. L. Articles by Beitz, D. C.

Effect of Feeding High-Grain Restricted-Roughage Rations with and without Bicarbonates on the Fat Content of Milk Produced and Proportions of Volatile Fatty Acids in the Rumen

Department of Dairy Science, University of Illinois, Urbana

ABSTRACT

Two separate trials involving a total of 28 lactating dairy cows were conducted to study the effect of supplemental bicarbonates on rumen volatile fatty acids, milk production, and fat content of the milk when high-grain, low-roughage rations were fed. The bicarbonates (equal parts by weight of sodium and potassium) were incorporated into the grain mixture at two levels, 1.5 and 3.0%. All cows received grain free choice plus 5 lb of alfalfa hay per day.

Cows receiving the bicarbonate in the grain mixture at a level of 3.0% did not decrease in fat test of the milk, whereas the percentage of fat in the milk of the control cows decreased from 3.51 to 1.74%. Bicarbonate feeding resulted in an increase in the acetate:propionate ratio (control—1.31; treated—2.68).

At the lower level of bicarbonate feeding (1.5% of grain mixture) results showed trends similar to those for the higher level of bicarbonate feeding; however, the milk fat test for the treated cows was still below normal values.

¹ Present address: Dairy Department, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.