Effects of Different Forage Types on Rumen Fermentation, Microflora, and Production Performance in Peak-Lactation Dairy Cows

Forages are vital in maintaining the dietary structures of ruminants, and reducing their costs is important for improving dairy production efficiency. Thus, this study investigated effects forage types on dry matter intake, production, rumen fermentation, microbial profile peak-lactating cows. Eight cows (600 ± 25 kg) with days milk (60 10 days) were assigned to four groups using a replicated 4 × Latin square design: OG (oat hay + alfalfa corn silage concentrate), CW (Leymus chinensis AS (alfalfa oat AC (alkali-treated straw concentrate). The ruminal butyrate acid concentration was lower group than post-feeding (12 h; p < 0.05). Ruminal NH3-N content higher (9 percentage Oscillospira unknown microbes other (p total rumination time per intake significantly those Milk lactose highest among 0.05), fat (all Overall, our results suggested that from fermentation calcium oxide sources when nutrition level similar. diet derived L. increased number fibrillation helices related fiber-decomposing bacteria simultaneously strains. Forage tended increase protein levels. Alkali-treated could unit cows, which plays an role health. rational use low-quality has broad prospects China.