Effect of Malate Supplementation to Dairy Cows on Rumen Fermentation and Milk Production in Early Lactation

Abstract

Devant, M., Bach, A. and García, J.A. 2007. Effect of malate supplementation to dairy cows on rumen fermentation and milk production in early lactation. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 31: 169–172.

A total of 38 Holstein cows were assigned to either CONTROL or MALATE treatments between 21 and 28 days prior to calving date to evaluate the effects of pre- and post-partum supplementation of malate on rumen fermentation and milk production. MALATE cows (n=20) received the same concentrate as CONTROL cows (n=18) but vitamin-mineral premix, bypass fat, and sugar cane were partially replaced by 40 g per kg of dry matter of Rumalato© (Norel & Nature, Spain) to provide 84 gl day of malate. Before calving, all cows were fed a total mixed ration (TMR) ad libitum and 1 kg/day of either MALATE or CONTROL concentrate at a feeding station. After calving, cows were fed the same TMR ad libitum and/kg of concentrate that was gradually (300 g/day) increased to 3 kg/day. Malate supplementation did not affect milk production, milk fat and protein concentrations. Mean concentrate intake was greater in MALATE than in CONTROL cows. Although cows supplemented with malate consumed more concentrate, rumen pH did not decrease. During transition period malate supplementation may allow greater concentrate intakes without detrimental effects on rumen pH.

Key words:

• Malate
• milk
• rumen
• acidosis