Due to health concerns associated with the sub-therapeutic use of antibiotics in livestock production, the use of antibiotics as a feed additive has been prohibited in many countries. For this reason, a demand for non-antibiotic alternatives able to increase feed efficiency has been created. Direct-fed microbial feed additives are commonly used in dairy farming to increase nutrient intake and utilization, boost production efficiency, and reduce the risk of metabolic disorders. These additives are particularly beneficial during periods of physiological stress. Previous studies reported that Aspergillus oryzae fermentation product (AOFP) can stabilize rumen pH, boost rumen microbial activity, increase fiber degradability, and increase dry matter intake. Previous research has been completed on total mixed rations and in vitro systems. Considering that AOFP has the potential to increase fiber degradation, the study was conducted to determine the effect of AOFP on pasture-based dairy cows. When supplemented at 3 g. cow-1.d-1, AOFP had no effect on milk production, fiber degradability, dry matter intake, and rumen volatile fatty acid and -ammonia nitrogen concentrations. A 2.3 g.kg-1 greater milk fat content was seen in cows receiving AOFP supplementation. Additional research is required to fully understand the effect of AOFP on pasture-based dairy cows under different nutritional conditions.

Read the full article in the Journal of Animal Science.