ARS | Publication request: SUGARS IN DAIRY CATTLE RATIONS: SWEETENING THE POT OR NOT?

Submitted to: Meeting Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: April 15, 2005
Publication Date: June 15, 2005
Citation: Hall, M. B. 2005. Sugars in dairy cattle rations: sweetening the pot or not? In: Four-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference Proceedings, June 15 & 16, 2005, Dubuque, IA. p. 221 - 228. MWPS-4SD18.

Technical Abstract: Dietary sugars (sucrose, glucose, fructose, and lactose) differ from other carbohydrates in their effects on dairy cattle performance. Reports of increased butterfat production, increased intake, and increased or decreased fiber digestion with feeding more sugar have been intriguing, but not consistent. The effects seem to differ relative to supplementation with starchy feedstuffs. The effects may also vary with the type and amount of protein provided in the diet. If a ration is reformulated to provide more sugars, acclimation of the cattle to the diet, consideration of the dietary protein profile, and careful evaluation of animal response are recommended. More research information is needed to arrive at reasoned guidelines for supplementation of dairy cattle with sugars.