Asian Science
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Abstract: An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of
2 levels of dietary Crude Protein (CP) in concentrates with similar proportions
of Rumen Undegradable Protein (RUP) on rumen metabolism, milk yield and composition
in mid lactating cows in Thailand. Eight 87.5% Holsteinx12.5% indigenous multiparous
cows were used in a crossover design with two successive 25 days periods. Diets
contained 30% paragrass and 70% concentrate on a Dry Matter (DM) basis. Concentrate
feeds were formulated to provide low dietary CP (17.3%; LCP) or high dietary
CP (19.04%; HCP). The proportion of Rumen Degradable Protein (RDP) and RUP was
61 and 39% in both diets. Diets were isocaloric in terms of net energy for lactation.
Milk yield, milk lactose yield, Dry Matter Intake (DMI) and apparent digestibility
of DM, CP and Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) were greater in cows fed HCP than
in those fed LCP. Concentration of blood urea nitrogen was elevated in cows
fed HCP diets. Rumen NH3-N concentration and pH tended to increase
in cows fed HCP diet. Rumen microorganism counts and volatile fatty acids levels
in the rumen did not differ between treatments. The increasing CP content in
mid-lactating cow was beneficial to increase DMI, apparent digestibility of
DM, CP and NDF and therefore milk yield.