Use of Newly Developed Blended Feed Supplement on Rumen Parameters and Milk Fat in Dairy Cows

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the nutritional potential of a newly developed Blended Feed Supplement (BFS) in dairy nutrition. The primary objective was to characterize the feed's chemical composition, ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestibility, protein-energy synchronization, and its impact on milk production and nitrogen utilization, with the aim of finding an alternative inexpensive supplement source for dairy cows instead of bypass fats and proteins. BFS was compared with conventional protein (canola meal) and energy (barley grain) feeds. Three samples of each feed were obtained from different sources. In the first study, chemical analysis, TDN and energy values, CNCPS protein and carbohydrate fractions, and in vitro fermentation characteristics were studied. The BFS exhibited significantly higher (P < 0.05) levels of truly digestible neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and fatty acids, and elevated butyrate and ammonia production. However, moderate acetate and propionate production was seen compared to the other two feeds. In the second study, an in situ rumen fermentation procedure was done at different time points for 48 hours. In situ rumen degradation kinetics, in situ protein to energy synchronization, intestinal digestion, and nutrient supply using NRC and DVE/OEB systems were also studied. The BFS demonstrated the highest (P < 0.05) levels of rumen undegradable protein (RUP) and intestinally digestible bypass protein, along with the greatest supply of truly absorbed microbial protein (AMCP), total metabolizable protein (MP), and Feed Milk Value (FMV) using the NRC system. The BFS was also higher in truly digested protein in the small intestine and FMV using the DVE/OEB system. In the third study, an in vivo lactation trial was conducted using eight mid-lactation Holstein cows in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design. Diets partially or fully replaced expeller canola meal and canola meal with BFS. Each period lasted for 25 days. Results indicated that milk yield and composition were largely unaffected, while milk urea nitrogen, nitrogen intake, and urinary nitrogen excretion declined linearly (P < 0.001). However, nitrogen utilization efficiency was seen to improve with increasing BFS in the diet. Dry matter digestibility increased linearly (P = 0.019), whereas crude protein and NDF digestibility showed variable responses. Although milk revenue remained stable, feed efficiency declined with increasing BFS levels, underscoring the need for economic optimization based on market pricing. In conclusion, the BFS presents as nutritionally stable supplement alternative to conventional protein and energy sources in ruminant feeding strategies. Its inclusion can enhance ruminal fermentation balance, protein bypass, and nitrogen utilization, supporting both animal performance and environmental sustainability in dairy production systems. However, further research, improvement, and economic assessment is required to obtain high potential economic return and profitability.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (M.Sc.)

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Animal Science

Grantor

University of Saskatchewan

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Ihsan, Umair

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Yu, Peiqiang

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Newkirk, Rex
• Lardner, Herbert Bart
• Penner, Gregory
• Plaizier, Kees

• multi-fermented new feed product
• fermentation
• energy
• neutral detergent fiber
• degradation

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10388/17504

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:harvest.usask.ca:10388/17504