Effects of inclusion of corn gluten feed in dairy rations on dry matter intake, milk yield, milk components, and...

Corn gluten feed (CGF) is a co-product of wet milling that can replace energy or fiber ingredients in dairy cow rations. The present meta-analysis examines how inclusion of CGF can affect dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield (MY), milk components, and ruminal fermentation parameters. A literature search was conducted to identify papers published from 1990 to 2018. Effect size for all parameters was calculated as standardized mean difference with a 95% confidence interval. Heterogeneity was determined using Q test and I² statistic, while meta-regression was used to examine factors influencing heterogeneity. Results indicate that feeding CGF increased the effect size for DMI and MY. No differences were observed for effect size for percentage milk fat or protein; however, increases were observed in the effect size for milk fat yield, milk protein yield, milk lactose percentage, and milk lactose yield. Ruminal fermentation parameters revealed a decrease in the effect size for pH and acetate and an increase for propionate. No differences were observed in the effect size for total VFA or butyrate. The Q test demonstrated heterogeneity (P < 0.1) for MY, MFP, and pH. The results indicate differences in forage intake between groups receiving CGF and control as an important factor contributing to heterogeneity for DMI, MFP, and pH. It can be concluded from this meta-analysis that in addition to increased DMI, inclusion of CGF in cow diets increases MY and improves milk components. Furthermore, inclusion of CGF in the diet lowers ruminal pH while decreasing acetate and increasing propionate contents.