Effect of magnesium oxide (Mgo) addition in diets for lactating holstein cows

• Martín Montaño Gómez Universidad Autónoma de Baja California-México
• Jaime Salinas Chavira Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas-México
• José Calderón Cortés Universidad Autónoma de Baja California-México
• Olga Manríquez Núñez Universidad Autónoma de Baja California-México
• Víctor González Vizcarra Universidad Autónoma de Baja California-México
• Oscar Ruiz Barrera Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua-México

Palabras clave: magnesium, oxide buffer, holstein cows, milk

Resumen

It was evaluated the effect of magnesium oxide (MgO) addition in diets for Holstein cows on milk production and quality. Nineteen Holstein cows in second third of lactation were assigned to two treatments (T), with 9 and 10 animals. Both treatments were similar for days in lactation and milk yield. Cows were assigned at random to two treatments (T) groups: T1 received 0.2% and T2 received 0.4% of MgO. The MgO (alkalinizing agent) was mixed with a commercial concentrate and offered in feed bunk with total diet, which consisted of 9 kg/d of concentrate plus alfalfa hay fed ad libitum. Total diet was offered three times a day (0600; 1200 and 1700 h). The experimental period was of 30 d, with other 30 for adaptation. Milk production (kg/d) and milk quality (fat, protein, and total solids) were evaluated. Data were analyzed using the statistical package SAS through of a randomized block design. Animals on T2 (0.40% MgO) produced 2.85 kg/d more milk (P<0.50) than those on T1 (0.20% MgO). The fat, protein and total solids content in milk were higher (P<0.05) in T1 than in T2. It is concluded that the addition of 0.4% MgO in diets for lactating dairy cows resulted in milk production increased, although there was a small reduction in milk quality, compared with 0.2% MgO supplementation.