摘要
It is hypothesized that betaine supplementation improves production performance in mid-lactation dairy cows.Twenty-one mid-lactation dairy cows were assigned to a 3×3 Latin square design with three periods of 28 d each and fed three treatments of betaine(0,100,and 200 g/d).Milk samples were collected on day 21 and day 28 of each period.During days 21 to 28,cows were fed with chromic oxide(15 g/d per cow).On days 26 to 28,fecal samples were collected to determine apparent total tract nutrient digestion.Blood samples were obtained on days 26 to 28 of each period for fatty acid(FA)analysis.Data were analyzed using the Proc Mixed in SAS.Apparent total tract dry matter(DM)digestibility tended to be greater for cows supplemented with 100 g betaine as compared to no dietary betaine(61 vs.58±1%;p=0.1).In contrast,DM intake(DMI),milk fat percent,milk yield,energy-corrected milk(ECM)yield,and milk FA composition did not differ among treatments.Supplementation of betaine can decrease the serum saturated FA C11,C12,C15 and C17,total monounsaturated FA,and C18:2 all trans-9,12.In addition,total serum n-3 polyunsaturated FA was significantly increased.This result can decrease total serum n-6 to n-3 ratio(6.80,7.07,and 6.50±0.16%,for 0,100,and 200 g betaine,respectively;p=0.04).Overall,even betaine supplementation did not change DMI or production,betaine could affect the DM digestibility and serum FA biosynthesis.
