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Effects of Feeding Raw Soybeans on Rumen Metabolism and Milk Composition of Dairy Cows¹

Department of Animal Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

ABSTRACT

Four rumen-fistulated Holstein cows were used in a three-period reversal feeding trial to determine the effects of feeding raw soybeans on milk yield, gross composition of milk, component fatty acids of milk fat, free fatty acids of milk, and volatile fatty acids and long chain fatty acids of rumen fluid. No problems in feed intake or health of cows were observed when ground ear corn and crushed soybeans were combined in a ratio of 3:1 and fed twice daily at National Research Council's recommended levels.

When compared with a ground ear corn-soybean oil meal mixture the soybean ration was equivalent for milk production. Differences in gross composition of milk were not significant, though there was a consistant increase in milk fat with the raw soybean ration. This ration significantly increased the C₁₈ acids in milk fat and decreased the C₁₄ and C₁₆ acids. Feed- ing raw soybeans did not appear to alter rumen fatty acid production, but caused significant increases in the levels of stearic and oleic acids in the rumen fluid. Stearic acid content of free fatty acids of milk also was significantly increased. Milk from each treatment was acceptable for flavor.

¹ This research was supported in part by the Ontario Department of Agriculture and Food.

² Present address: Unilever Research Laboratory, Colworth House, Sharnbrook, Bedford, England.

³ This material was included in a dissertation by the senior author presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the M.Sc. degree at the University of Guelph.