1National Metal and Materials Technology Center, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathumthani, 12120, Thailand
2Department of Livestock Development, KhonKaen Animal Nutrition Research and Development Center, KhonKaen, 40000, Thailand
3Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Tifton, GA, 31793, USA
Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture KhonKaen University, KhonKaen, 40002, Thailand
*Correspondence: virotekku@hotmail.com
Online published on 26 February, 2019.
The objective of this study was to determine the effect of fermented total mixed rations (FTMR) differing in calculated methane production on in vivo methane emission and performance of lactating dairy cows. Four mid-lactation Holstein-Friesian dairy cows, averaging 424.2±23.0 kg BW and yielding 13.86±7.05 kg/d milk, were used in an experiment based on a 2´2 switch-over design. Two experimental diets, low methane (LM) and high methane (HM), were formulated to differ in methane production potential using Napier silage, rice straw, and concentrate. Intake and digestibility of DM was higher (P<0.05) for cows fed LM when compared to those fed HM. Ruminal pH, concentrations of total VFA, acetate, and butyrate were similar between the groups; however, concentrations of propionate were higher (P<0.05) in the LM than the HM group. No differences (P>0.05) were observed in methane emissions between the groups. Milk yield and composition were also similar between the groups. It is concluded that the feeding FTMR with low methane-producing potential improved feed intake, digestibility and the ruminal propionate concentration of lactating dairy cows.
Dairy cows, Enteric methane emission, Productivity, Ruminal fermentation
