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Supplementing a Bacillus-based direct-fed microbial improves feed efficiency in lactating dairy cows.

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Supplementing lactating dairy cows with a Bacillus-based direct-fed microbial (DFM) improved feed and nitrogen efficiency. While not significantly impacting milk yield or composition, DFM tended to enhance dry matter digestibility in cows fed a partial-mixed ration (PMR).

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Area of Science:

  • Animal Science
  • Ruminant Nutrition
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Direct-fed microbials (DFMs) containing Bacillus species are explored for their potential to modulate gut health and improve nutrient utilization in livestock.
  • Lactating dairy cows require optimized nutrition for sustained milk production and reproductive efficiency, making feed and nutrient utilization critical economic factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of a Bacillus-based direct-fed microbial (DFM) on the performance and nutrient digestibility of lactating dairy cows.
  • To assess the effects of DFM supplementation on dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield, milk composition, and feed efficiency in dairy cows.

Main Methods:

  • Seventy-six lactating Holstein-Friesian cows were assigned to either a control (CON) diet or a diet supplemented with 3 g/head/d of a DFM containing Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis for 16 weeks.
  • Cows were fed a partial-mixed ration (PMR) which included forage, concentrate, and a carrier pellet (with or without DFM).
  • Measurements included daily DMI, milk yield, milk composition, energy-corrected milk (ECM), feed efficiency, and apparent nutrient digestibility (fecal samples collected at week 15).

Main Results:

  • No significant differences were observed in final body weight, daily DMI, milk yield, ECM, ECM efficiency, milk composition, or somatic cell count (SCC) between the CON and DFM groups.
  • Cows supplemented with the DFM exhibited significantly greater feed efficiency and nitrogen (N) efficiency compared to the control group (P ≤ 0.03).
  • Dry matter (DM) digestibility tended to be higher in cows fed the DFM compared to the CON group (P = 0.10), with no other significant differences in nutrient digestibility.

Conclusions:

  • Supplementation with a DFM containing Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis improved feed and nitrogen efficiency in lactating dairy cows fed a PMR.
  • The DFM supplementation demonstrated a trend towards improved dry matter digestibility, suggesting a positive impact on nutrient utilization.
  • While overall performance metrics like milk yield were unaffected, the enhanced feed efficiency indicates a potential economic benefit for dairy operations utilizing this DFM.