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ARS Home » Northeast Area » University Park, Pennsylvania » Pasture Systems & Watershed Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #372601
Research Project: Sustainable Intensification of Integrated Crop-Pasture-Livestock Systems in Northeastern Landscapes

Location: Pasture Systems & Watershed Management Research

Title: Ruminal metabolism and plasma amino acids in Jersey cows grazing forage canola

Author
item SILVA, LUIZ - University Of New Hampshire
item ZANG, YU - University Of New Hampshire
item GHELICKHAN, MOHAMMAD - University Of New Hampshire
item GENG, YUCONG - University Of New Hampshire
item DILLARD, LEANNE - University Of Auburn
item Soder, Kathy
item BRITO, ANDRE - University Of New Hampshire

Submitted to: Journal of Dairy Science
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/28/2020
Publication Date: 7/5/2020
Citation: Silva, L., Zang, Y., Ghelickhan, M., Geng, Y., Dillard, L.S., Soder, K.J., Brito, A. 2020. Ruminal metabolism and plasma amino acids in Jersey cows grazing forage canola{abstract}. Journal of Dairy Science. 103 (Suppl. 1):154.

Interpretive Summary: No Interpretive Summary is required for this Abstract Only. JLB.

Technical Abstract: Forage canola is known for high biomass yield and exceptional supply of rapidly digestible carbohydrates, which can alter ruminal fermentation profile. It is also used to extend the fall grazing season. We aimed to evaluate the effect of canola as grazed herbage on ruminal fermentation and plasma AA in lactating dairy cows. Twelve multiparous and 6 primiparous mid-lactating Jersey cows were blocked by parity and, within block, assigned to control (CTRL) or canola (CAN) in a randomized complete block design. Cows in the CTRL group were kept in confinement, while CAN cows stayed in the barn during the day and had access to pasture from 1800 to 0500 h. Diets were formulated to yield a 60:40 forage:concentrate ratio with 50% of the baleage replaced by canola herbage in the CAN diet. The experiment lasted 7 wk (2-wk covariate) with sample collection done during wk-3 and wk-5. Data were analyzed with repeated measures in SAS. Daily herbage allowance was set at 12 kg of DM/cow, and ruminal fluid was collected using a stomach tube. Canola biomass averaged 4,000 kg of DM/ha, and 24.8% CP, 44.3% NFC, and 15.5% aNDFom. Diets did not affect ECM (mean = 29.2 kg/d) and urinary excretion of purine derivatives. Diet by wk interactions were found for PUN and ruminal NH3-N showing that CAN cows had greater values at wk-5 than wk-3, but no change was observed for the CRTL diet. Ruminal pH was lower (P < 0.01) in CAN, while total VFA concentration did not change. Cows in the CAN diet had greater ruminal propionate than those in the CTRL (16.2 vs 13.5%, P < 0.01), possibly because of increased NFC and less aNDFom in canola herbage vs. baleage. The acetate:propionate ratio was lower in CAN than CTRL (4.21 vs. 5.61; P < 0.01). Significant diet by wk interactions were found for ruminal acetate and butyrate showing that acetate decreased while butyrate increased from wk-3 to wk-5; however, these changes were greater in CAN than CTRL diet. Individual AA in plasma was not affected by diet, except tryptophan which was lower in CAN. Diet did not affect plasma total essential AA. In brief, canola herbage improved ruminal propionate but did not affect plasma concentration of EAA.