Implication of different non-fibrous carbohydrate sources on intake, nutrients digestibility and production of lactating-cows in Egypt

In this research, we aimed to study the implications of different carbohydrates sources on dry matter intake, nutrients digestibility and production, 9 lactating-cows (days in milk= 110±30 d; live weight=670 ± 40 kg) were allotted into3 groups (3 cows per each) for one month period. The treatments included different sources of non-fibrous carbohydrate (NFC), where its percentages are (44.38, 44.59 and 44.25% DM in basal diet treatment (B), beet pulp diet treatment (BP) and dried distillers’ grains diet treatment (DD), respectively). Cows of group BP had a higher DMI, where DMI and NDF digestibility were improved. Ruminal pH was increased in group cows B and DD (6.63 and 6.64, respectively) compared with those that received BP group (6.26). The propionate percentage was decreased and pH increased in the BP group; whereas, a higher percentage of acetate and ratio of acetate: propionate were noticed with animals allotted to B treatment. Milk improved with BP group. Replacing NFC sources with different digestion coefficient, this change feed intake, ruminal bacterial population, and lactation performance. We could conclude that inclusion of different sources of NFC produce a better performance and productivity.