![Sample our Environment & Agriculture journals, sign in here to start your access, latest two full volumes FREE to you for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5934/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Environment-Agriculture.jpg"})
Abstract
Two trials investigated the effects of bentonite on dairy cow performance. In Trial 1,2 groups of 15 cows grazed either pasture or pasture dusted with bentonite (600 g COW-1 day-1) for 4 weeks during mid lactation. In Trial 2, 3 groups of 10 cows in late lactation were stall-fed on pasture and lucerne to which 0, 3, or 6% bentonite (dry matter basis) had been added. Average daily bloat score was significantly reduced by addition of bentonite in both trials, but moderate to severe bloat was recorded on all treatments. Bentonite did not significantly affect milk yield; milk composition; blood Mg, Ca, Cu, and Zn concentrations; or salivary Na and K concentrations.