Nonstructural carbohydrate and protein effects on rumen fermentation, nutrient flow, and performance of dairy cows

Four multiparous Holstein cows fitted with rumen and duodenal cannulas were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square with 20-d periods. Four diets were formulated for high and low rumen availabilities of nonstructural carbohydrate and protein. Cows were milked and fed three times daily. Milk production averaged 39 kg/d and was unaffected by treatment. Dry matter intake and 4% FCM production were increased by 1 kg/d for cows fed the low rumen-available nonstructural carbohydrate diets. Milk protein percentage was elevated when either the high rumen-available nonstructural carbohydrate or high rumen-available protein diets were fed. Low rumen-available protein diets increased duodenal passage of total essential AA but did not increase passage of Arg, Ile, and Met. Passage of bacterial N was highest (262 g/d) when high rumen-available nonstructural carbohydrate was combined with high rumen-available protein and was lowest when high rumen-available nonstructural carbohydrate was combined with low rumen-available protein (214 g/d). Diets with low rumen availabilities of protein were not advantageous, possibly because duodenal passage of one or more of the limiting AA was not increased. Passage of bacterial N to the duodenum was highest when rumen availabilities of both nonstructural carbohydrate and protein were high.