Authors : W. Suksombat, P. Lounglawan and P. Paengsai
Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine the effects of biotin supplementation on milk production and milk fatty acids in crossbred Holstein Friesian dairy cows. Twenty four Holstein Friesian crossbred lactating dairy cows, averaging 64±45 days in milk, 13.0±2.4 kg of milk and 375±26 kg body weight were blocked by milking days first and then stratified random balanced for milk yield and body weight into three groups of 8 cows. The first group (control) received approximately 6 kg of 21% CP concentrate. The second group was fed the same basal diet as the control group and supplemented with 20 mg day-1 of biotin filled in a capsule and the third group was fed the same basal diet as the control group and supplemented with 40 mg day-1 of biotin filled in a capsule (BASF (Thai) Co., Ltd.). All cows also received ad libitum grass silage (Brachiaria ruziziensis; 35 day cutting age) had free access to clean water and were individually housed in a free-stall unit and individually fed according to treatments. The experiment lasted for 10 weeks with the first 2 weeks as the adjustment period followed by 8 weeks of measurement period feed offered and left after eating of individual cow were collected on 2 consecutive days weekly and at the end of the experiment feed samples were pooled to make representative samples for proximate and detergent analyses. Daily milk yields were recorded. Milk sample and dry matter intake were collected in 2 consecutive days weekly. Live weights were recorded at the start and at the end of the experiment. Milk samples were taken on day 56 of the experiment and subjected to fatty acid analysis. Rumen fluids were colleted on day 50 of the experiment at 0, 3, 5 and 7 h post feeding and then subjected to pH, ammonia nitrogen and volatile fatty acids. The results showed no significant differences in dry matter intake, live weight change, milk yield, milk compositions, milk fatty acids, ruminal pH, ammonia nitrogen and volatile fatty acids (p>0.05).
W. Suksombat, P. Lounglawan and P. Paengsai, 2011. Effects of Biotin Supplementation on Milk Production, Milk Composition, Milk Fatty Acids, Ruminal pH, Ammonia Nitrogen and Volatile Fatty Acids in Lactating Dairy Cows. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 10: 2186-2192.