Starch sources with different degradabilities and their partial replacement by citrus pulp for lactating dairy cows

Abstract

Four late lactating Holstein cows, canulated in rumen, were used in a 5x4 Latin Square Design to compare coarsely ground, finely ground and flaked corn and the partial replacement of these starch sources by citrus pulp. All diets contained corn silage as forage source. The treatments were finely ground corn (MF), steam-flaked corn (F), coarsely ground corn (MG), finely ground corn+ citrus pulp (MFP), steam-flaked corn + citrus pulp (FP). The MG treatment resulted in the lowest dry matter intake and lowest milk, fat and protein yields, while the FP treatment resulted in the highest dry matter intake, 3.5% fat corrected milk, fat and protein yields. The DM, CP, NDF and ADF total tract digestibility were high for FP, however F had a negative effect on fiber digestibility. The ruminal pH was low for FP. Ruminal ammonia and VFA were not affected by treatments. The F treatment reduced molar concentration of acetate and butyrate, while citrus pulp stimulated their ruminal production. Plasma glucose was not affected by treatments, however PUN was higher for MFP as compared to MG.