Comparison of the effect of feeding of crimped corn grain harvested with high moisture (about 30%) preserved by organic acid vs. crimped corn preserved by additive containing L. buchneri on the rumen fermentation, energy, protein and acid-base metabolism of high producing dairy cows under field condition

Abstract

The aim of the study was to measure the effect of feeding crimped corn grain harvested with high moisture (about 30%) preserved by organic acids (trade name Kemisil) vs. crimped corn preserved by additive containing L. buchneri (trade name Biocrimp) on the rumen fermentation, energy, protein and acid-base metabolism. The trial was planned, organised and controlled by the Szent István University Faculty of Veterinary Science, Department of Animal Hygiene, Herd Health and Veterinary Ethology, Budapest, in cooperation with Kemira Oyj, Finland. The experiment was carried out at Zsigaháza Dairy Farm of AGROPRODUKT Co Pápa Hungary with the population of 1600 Holstein Friesian cows. The yearly milk production was nearly 9000 litres. Approximately three hundred in calf second and third parity Holstein Friesian cows was selected randomly into two groups of the same number of cows, 3-8 weeks after parturition for control and experimental period of the trial. The grouping was carried out just some days before starting the experiment, where the age of the cows, previous lactation and actual BCS of the cows was taken into consideration. The two groups selected had the same milk potential. Within the groups a “group nucleus” of 10 clinically healthy cows, without any symptom of disease (e.g. mastitis, lameness, diarrhoea etc), was assigned into each group for taking rumen fluid and blood samples for laboratory examinations. The health and nutritional status of the cows was monitored by metabolic profile test (MPT). The trial was done in cross over design. Duration of the experiment was 90 days (twice 45 days). Rumen fluid, blood and urine samples were taken for laboratory examinations once a week the first month, and once a week the second month.