Effects of Aspergillus oryzae on milk production, feed utilization and rumen fermentation in lactating dairy cows.

Abstract

Two production trials were conducted for 84 d each. The first with 22 Holstein cows in late lactation. The second with 46 Holstein cows in early lactation. Treatments were C (control) and AO (A. oryzae 3g/d). Diets were for production trial 1 a 1:1 forage: concentrate ratio; for trial 2 was 2:3. Milk production in trial 1 was higher (P > .05) in AO fed cows during the first weeks of the trial. In trial two AO cows consistently produced more milk (P < .03). Rectal temperatures during hot weather (over 35°C) were consistently lower in AO fed cows, though not significant (P > .10). Two digestibility trials followed the production trials. For all digestion trials, Cr₂O₃ was used as digesta marker. In trial one AO tended to increase digestibility of DM (P > .10). In trial two digestibilities of DM, NDF and ADF were higher in AO fed cows (P < .05). Three other trials were conducted with mature Holstein cows fitted with ruminal and duodenal cannulae. The first trial tested two levels of forage (1:2 vs 2:1; forage to concentrate) and C vs AO in a 4x4 latin square design. AO increased (P < .05) ADF digestibility in the high concentrate died. No change (P > .10) in rumen pH, concentrations and proportions of VFA, and ammonia concentrations resulted from AO treatments. In the second trial C, AO and SC (Saccharomyces cerevesiae 3 g/d) were compared in a repeated 3x3 latin square design. A 1:2 forage to concentrate diet was fed to six lactating cows. Both AO and SC increased (P < .05) rumen NDF digestibility. The third trial compared C vs AO in a swithchback design with four lactating cows fed a 2:3 forage to concentrate diet. AO increased (P < .05) rumen fiber digestion. AO did not affect rates of passage of corn or alfalfa hay; or the potentially digestible DM of milo, alfalfa hay or wheat straw. AO did increase (P < .05) digestion rate of alfalfa DM. In vitro AO increased DM digestibility. That effect can be reproduced by incorporation of the additive at the time of inoculation.