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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Ames, Iowa » National Animal Disease Center » Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #265523
Title: Modification of immune responses and digestive system microbiota of lactating dairy cows by feeding Bovamine(R)

Author
item OSMAN, MOHAMED - Iowa State University
item Stabel, Judith
item ONDA, KEN - Azabu University
item BEITZ, DONALD - Iowa State University

Submitted to: Iowa State University Animal Industry Report
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/23/2012
Publication Date: 2/8/2012
Citation: Osman, M., Stabel, J.R., Onda, K., Beitz, D.C. 2012. Modification of immune responses and digestive system microbiota of lactating dairy cows by feeding Bovamine(R). Iowa State University Animal Industry Report. A.S. Leaflet No. R2701.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: We evaluated the immune modulatory effects as well as effects on productivity of Bovamine® (Lactobacillus acidophilus strain NP51 and Probionibacterium freudenreichii) fed to Holstein and Jersey dairy cows during late lactation (average DIM = 202.44 days on wk-0). Cows were randomized to treatment groups that were fed either the Bovamine® (1 ×10**9 CFU of Lactobacillus acidophilus strain NP51 plus 2 × 10**9 CFU of Probionibacterium freudenreichii cow**-1day**-1 ) or the lactose carrier mixed with the total mixed ration for six weeks. Feeding the Bovamine® seemed to improve the ruminal digestibility as shown by the elevated molar concentrations of the acetate and propionate in the rumen. Feeding of Bovamine® during the late lactation did not alter milk production or composition. Additionally, no health disorders were detected during the study and milk quality remained high as determined by the normal SCC. These results suggest that feeding the Bovamine® to lactating dairy cows during late lactation improves nutrient digestibility and energy availability with significant implication to transition and early lactation dairy cows.