Ruminants dairy cattle

The requirements of dairy cattle for B-vitamins, determined almost half a century ago, concluded that a ruminant animal does not require an exogenous supply of B-vitamins because its rumen microflora should synthesise enough of these compounds to avoid deficiency. Since then, dairy cows have greatly increased their average milk and milk component yields. More recent studies have shown that B-vitamin supply in dairy cows is increased by supplementation, although losses in the rumen are extensive (Santschi et al., 2005). Whilst there are few reports of B-vitamin supplementation affecting milk quality, supplemental biotin has been shown to directly improve milk yield (Majee et al., 2003). 

Whole soybean may be fed to gestating swine (ground form) and to mature ruminants (whole or rolled form). However, feeding whole soybeans to all other livestock will result in reduced performance and is not recommended. Extruded soybeans may be fed to all livestock, especially swine and poultry. Extmded soybeans fed to lactating dairy cattle increase by-pass protein but most often will reduce butterfat. Roasted soybeans may be fed to aU livestock, especially mature ruminants. Roasted soybeans fed to lactating dairy cattle will increase by-pass protein and slightly increase butterfat. 

Cottonseed and Cottonseed Products. Whole cottonseed and its oil-bearing (screw press/expeller) meals can be economically attractive sources of oil and protein but must be used properly. Currently, approximately 35 0% (1.5 million tons) of the domestic cottonseed crop is fed whole to adult ruminants (primarily dairy cattle) annually. Whole cottonseed is not defined by AAFCO but is identified as IFN 5-01-614 it is called feed-grade cottonseed by the National Cottonseed Products Association s trading mles (32). It consists of the entire seed of the cotton plant after the cotton fibers have been removed by ginning at a fiber seed ratio... 

Fodder beet is a popular food in Denmark and the Netherlands for dairy cattle and young ruminants. Care is required in feeding cattle on high-dry-matter fodder beet, since excessive intakes may cause digestive upsets, hypocalcaemia and even death. The digestive disturbances are probably associated with the high sugar content of the root. 

Relationship between ruminal environment and chewing behavior in dairy cattle... 

Zebeli, Q. J., D. Mansmann, H. Steingass and B.N. Ametaj, 2009. Balancing diets for physically effective fiber and ruminally degradable starch A key to lower the risk of sub-acute rumen acidosis and improve productivity of dairy cattle. Livest. Sci. 127, 1-10. 

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