Effect of feeding Aspergillus oryzae fermentation extract or Aspergillus oryzae plus yeast culture plus mineral and vitamin supplement on performance of Holstein cows during a complete lactation.

The addition of Aspergillus oryzae fermentation extract (Amaferm) increased milk flow and mean 3.5% FCM production during the latter stages of the full lactation trial compared with the control group and the Aspergillus oryzae fermentation extract plus yeast culture plus mineral-vitamin supplement (VitaFerm) group. Based on the differences observed when FCM production was determined for the cows at various stages of lactation, Amaferm apparently had its greatest effect during the early stages of the lactation cycle and subsequent milk production was likely a result of higher initial production. The response difference observed between the Amaferm and VitaFerm treatments could have resulted from the additional minerals provided by the VitaFerm compared with the Amaferm and control groups.