Inclusion of Red Macroalgae (Asparagopsis taxiformis) in Dairy Cow Diets Modulates Feed Intake, Chewing Activity and Estimated Saliva Secretion.

ABSTRACT: The current study assessed the effects of red macroalgae Asparagopsis taxiformis (AT)-included as an enteric methane inhibitor-in dairy cow diets on feed intake and eating-rumination behaviour. Fifteen early lactating Norwegian Red dairy cows were offered ad libitum access to drinking water and a total mixed ration (TMR) composed of 35% concentrate feed and 65% grass silage on a dry matter (DM) basis. The experiment lasted for 74 days with the first 22 days on a common diet used as the covariate period. At the end of the covariate period, the cows were randomly allocated into one of three dietary treatments: namely, 0% AT (control), 0.125% AT and 0.25% AT in the TMR. The TMR was offered in individual feed troughs with AT blended in a 400 g (w/w) water-molasses mixture.

SUBMITTER: Nyloy E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9913350 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature