Influence of feeding Aspergillus oryzae fermentation extract on the milk yields, eating patterns, and body temperatures of lactating cows.

Trials were conducted to evaluate effects of a fermentation extract of Aspergillus oryzae (AO) on milk production and composition, diet digestibility, and rectal temperature changes in lactating dairy cows. Treatments were incorporated as a top dressing at the morning feeding and consisted of control (90 g/d of ground sorghum) or AO (3 g of culture + 87 g of ground sorghum daily). Twenty-four mid-lactation Holstein cows were paired for production in Lactation Trial 1 (LT-1). In Lactation Trial 2 (LT-2), 46 cows (20 primiparous and 26 multiparous) in early lactation were used. Trials lasted 12 wk. In LT-1, AO supplementation increased milk yields only at 2 (P less than .05) and 8 wk (P less than .10) of treatment. Rectal temperatures were lower (P less than .05) for cows fed AO for 4 of 10 readings made during summer. Supplementation of AO culture in LT-2 (early lactation cows) increased milk production and feed efficiency (P less than .05). Inner ear temperatures tended to be lower (P less than .11) for cows fed AO. Digestion trials, conducted at the end of lactation trials, used Cr2O3 as an indigestible marker. In Digestion Trial 1, digestibilities were not significantly (P greater than .10) affected by AO supplementation. However, in Digestion Trial 2, AO increased (P less than .05) digestibilities of DM, OM, CP, NDF, and ADF. Length and number of meals were not affected (P greater than .10) by feeding AO. In summary, milk yields, efficiency of milk production, and nutrient digestibilities were higher for early lactation cows fed a high-concentrate diet supplemented with 3 g of AO/d. Mid-lactation cows fed a lower-energy diet were less responsive to AO than early lactation cows, though similar trends were shown.