The rumen microbiota and metabolism of dairy cows are affected by the dietary rate of inclusion of <i>Yucca schidigera</i> extract.

ABSTRACT: Natural plant compounds can be used to supplement livestock diets, improving feed efficiency, production, and health, while also reducing environmental impact. In the present study, a Yucca schidigera (Mohave Yucca) extract was added at four rates of inclusion (ROI) of 0, 5, 15, or 30 g/day to a ryegrass and maize silage-based diet and fed to dairy cows in a 4 × 4 Latin square experimental design. Each period was 28 days in duration, with sampling undertaken during the final week of each period. Solid phase digesta (SPD) and liquid phase digesta (LPD) samples were collected via a rumen cannula and analyzed for volatile fatty acids (VFAs), ammonia N, and microbiome using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Total fecal and urine collection was undertaken over a 3-day period. Rumen microbial div

SUBMITTER: Snelling TJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12323574 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature