Effect of different levels of monensin in diets containing whole cottonseed on milk production and composition of lactating dairy cows

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of feeding different levels of monensin on feed intake, milk production and composition, and milk fattyacid profile in lactating Holstein cows. Four multiparous cows averaging 517 ± 47 (SD) kg in body weight and 101 ± 19.8 (SD) days in milk were housed individually in tie-stalls. The study was conducted as a 4 × 4 Latin square design for four periods (14-d for adaptation and 7-d for sampling). Cows were offered four dietary treatments (0, 10, 20, or 30 mg of monensin/kg of DM) as total mixed ration, twice daily. Dry matter (DM) intake was similar among treatments. Monensin supplementation significantly increased (P