Optimization of Ruminal Digestion in Cows Using the Feed Additive NCG-N Carbomyl Glutamate

Abstract

Introduction. Complete nutrition of animals is the main condition for the flow of metabolic processes and the creation of high productivity of animals. Most livestock enterprises use a significant amount of concentrates as the basis for the feed ration, which can negatively affect the functioning of the digestive system and reduce the digestibility of nutrients. In this regard, there is a need to use feed additives that promote an increase in the release of nutritional components of the diet.
Aim. To study the effect of feeding the feed additive NCG-N-carbamyl glutamate on the indices of rumen digestion in lactating cows.
Мaterials and methods. The object of the study was lactating cows of the Holsteinized black-and-white breed of the 3rd lactation. Animal groups were formed using the pair-analog method. For 10 months, the experimental group (n=5) was supplemented with the feed additive NCG-N-carbamyl glutamate in a dose of 20 g per head per day. Three hours after feeding, the rumen contents were collected using an esophageal umbrella. Species, functional dynamics, indicators of nitrogenous substances, volatile fatty acids were determined according to the accepted methods of conducting laboratory studies.
Results. During the experimental periods, we established a reliable increase in the number of ciliates from 6.47% to 15.06%, bacteria from 7.40% to 18.75%, amylolytic activity from 7.50% to 18.83%, proteolytic activity 5.80% to 9.30%, ammonia from 5.40% to 12.00%, protein nitrogen – 7.88% to 17.09%. A reliable decrease in non-protein nitrogen was noted from 5.52% to 20.53%.
Conclusion. Feeding the feed additive resulted in an increase in the population of microorganisms, their enzymatic activity, which contributed to the continuous catabolism of feed nutrients, their accumulation and use for anabolic purposes.