Effective Microorganisms-Supplemented Total Mixed Ration on Nutrient Utilization and Nitrogen Excretion in Lactating Dairy Cows

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Research

Authors
RMH Shaill Rathnayake 1
WAD Nayananjalie 2
AMJB Adikari 2
ULP Mangalika 3
1 Postgraduate Programme, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.
2 Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.
3 Department of Animal Production and Health, Getambe, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate the dietary effects of effective microorganisms (EM) supplementation on nutrient intake, digestibility, blood metabolites, and nitrogen (N) excretion in lactating dairy cows. Eight Jersey crossbred lactating dairy cows in the same parity were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments: control TMR (C-TMR) and an EM-supplemented TMR (EM-TMR) at a rate of 10 mL kg-1 for 07 days in metabolic stalls, following a completely randomised design. Based on the observed results, EM supplementation significantly (p<0.05) influenced the nutrient intake (DM: 15.17±0.17, CP: 1.93±0.02, CF: 2.81±0.03, and ADF: 2.85±0.03 kg, day-1) compared to the control (DM: 14.42±0.17, CP: 1.79±0.02, CF: 2.61±0.03, and ADF: 2.65±0.03 kg, day-1). Significantly (p<0.05) lower faecal, urinary and total N excretion was observed in EM supplemented group (Faecal: 73.82±4.76, Urine: 348.01±21.41 and Total N: 421.82±25.93 g, day-1) compared to the control (Faecal: 97.43±4.76, Urine: 461.81±21.41 and Total N: 559.24±25.93 g, day-1), while blood metabolites did not show any significant different (p>0.05). In conclusion, EM supplementation significantly improved nutrient intake, digestibility, and N utilisation while reducing manure N excretion. These findings suggest that EM is a promising feed supplement for improving gut health and nutrient digestion in lactating dairy cows, while promoting sustainable farming through improved nutrient efficiency and reduced environmental footprint.
Keywords
Dairy cows
Feeds
Metabolism
Probiotics
Yeast
Subjects
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Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 24 October 2026