Degradation kinetics of carbohydrate fraction of commercial concentrate feeds for weaned calves, heifers, lactating and dry dairy cattle

Abstract

Variations in composition and disappearance of nutrients in dairy cattle feeds are dictated by ingredients, methods of processing, storage while milk production levels depend on the animal, environmental factors and largely on pools of available carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals in the concentrate feeds. There is a wide variety of concentrates for dairy cattle on the formal and informal markets and dairy farmers need to be astute in selecting feeds appropriate for specific production periods and animals to sustain their businesses. Composition of nutrients displayed on concentrate containers is however inadequate for in-depth assessment of products. This study determined nutrient composition, rumen dry matter disappearance and microbial colonization on residual substrate on commercial concentrate feeds and simulated total mixed rations for dairy calves, heifers, lactating and dry cows based on common feeding guidelines. Equivalent feeds for each herd group were obtained from three suppliers in the formal markets in Gauteng province of South Africa, making a total of twelve. An analysis of the data on container labels for the herd groups displayed similar feed values, as also reflected on the recommendation Tables of Act 36: Feeds and Fertilizer bill 1947 of South Africa.