Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Ph.D. Student, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Engineering, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Iran.
2 Associate Professor, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Engineering, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Iran
3 Associate Professor, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Engineering, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of feeding of steeped barley grain with lactic acid (LA) and citric acid (CA) on dry matter intake, feeding behavior, apparent nutrients digestibility, rumen pH and milk production. Eight early lactating Holstein cows in the second parities were used in 4×4 Latin square change- over design. Treatments consisted of basis diet containing 1) dry rolled barley grain (DR), 2) dry rolled barley grain steeped in an equal quantity of tape water alone (W), 3) or in 0.75% LA, or 4) 1% CA for 24 h. The result of this study showed that dry matter intake, feeding behavior and apparent nutrients digestibility did not significantly different among treatments. Rumen pH was greater at 6 h after feeding in LA and CA diets (P<0.05). Treatments had no effect on fecal score and pH. Milk and Fat corrected milk production unaffected by treated barley. While milk protein and none- solids fat were significantly greater in CA diet in compared to others (P<0.05). Others milk composition had not influenced by type of processing. In conclusion, treated barley grain with LA and CA had increased rumen pH 6 h after feeding but other characters including milk production and composition, apparent nutrient digestibility and feeding behavior unaffected by barley grain processing method.
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