| A recent study has revealed that Fermented Total Mixed Ration (FTMR) can significantly improve nutrient digestibility and milk quality in Holstein dairy cows.
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The study aimed to evaluate the impact of FTMR on:
- Milk yield
- Total apparent nutrient digestibility
- Fecal microbial communities
- Fermentation profiles in dairy cows
To achieve this, 12 cows were selected and divided into two groups:
- TMR group: cows fed with total mixed ration (TMR)
- FTMR group: cows fed with fermented total mixed ration (FTMR)
Throughout the study, it was observed that although FTMR did not significantly affect milk production, it did notably improve feed efficiency despite a decrease in dry matter intake.
Additionally, the group fed with FTMR showed greater digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), organic matter (OM), dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and acid detergent fiber (ADF). There was also an increase in butyrate concentration in the feces and a reduction in fecal pH.
On the other hand, the abundance of Halobacteria, Halobacteriales, and Halobacteriaceae was significantly higher in the feces of cows fed with TMR.
| This study provides a solid theoretical basis for the feasibility of feeding dairy cows with FTMR, indicating that this practice could be an effective strategy to improve dairy production efficiency and the digestive health of the cattle. |
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