<b>Protein (raw or rosted soybeans) and energy (coursely ground or steamflaked corn) sources with varying ruminal degradabilities for lactating cows</b> - DOI: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v29i2.238

Abstract

The objective of this trial was the evaluation of ruminal degradation synchrony of protein and energy sources. Four Holstein cows (23 kg day^-1) were used in a 4 x 4 Latin Square design and 2 x 2 factorial arrangement: two protein (raw vs. roasted soybeans) with two energy sources (coarsely ground vs. steam-flaked corn). Dry matter intake was higher for cows fed coarsely ground corn with roasted soybean (p < 0.11). Flaking of corn tended (p = 0.12) to increase milk yield and to decrease milk fat content. Roasted soybean did not improve lactational performance of mid lactating cows (p > 0.05). Rumen pH was not affected by treatments (p > 0.05). Both roasted soybeans and flaking of corn decreased rumen ammonia nitrogen (p < 0.01). Animal fed steamflaked corn tended showed higher total VFA molar concentrations (p = 0.10), but there were no treatments effect on ruminal pH. A higher (p = 0.06) ruminal starch digestibility was observed for raw soybean treatment.