The use of lipid calcium complex for lactating cows 1. Intake and digestibility

Abstract

The effects of a fatty acids complexed with calcium on dry matter intake and on nonstructural carbohydrate (NEC) digestibilities and absorption coeficients of Ca, P, K, Na and Mg were studied in lactating cows, on a completely randomized design. Com (Zea mays, L.) silage was used for cows fed individually or in group. In another trial cows were fed individually with sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum, L.). Dry matter intake was not affected by the feeding system and presence of the fatty acid: calcium complex. Average dry matter intake were 3.27 and 3.43% of body live weight, for trials 1 and 2 respectively. When corn silage was fed, DM, OM, CP, EE, NDF, P and Mg apparent digestibility coeficients were higher for the cows individually fed; the presence of lipid complex increased EE and Mg digestibilities. When sugar cane was fed EE and Ca digestibilities were heigher when the lipid complex was not present in the diet.