According to a US study from Pennsylvania State University, adding two fungus at once improves the animals’ ability to produce milk.
Exogenous enzymes have been used extensively in human and animal nutrition for a long time, but laboratory studies have revealed that combining enzymes from Aspergillus oryzae and Aspergillus niger may have a synergistic effect on the cow’s rumen, promoting the activity of the microbial populations and enhancing digestion of fibrous components in the diet.
A 48-cow herd at the Penn State Dairy Teaching and Research Centre participated in a 10-week trial under the direction of Leoni Martins, a doctorate candidate in animal science. Some received meals that were supplemented with an enzyme preparation made from a mixed Aspergillus culture. The scientists then assessed the cows’ digestion, metabolism, and lactational performance.
Study findings
Every other week, the researchers collected milk samples and analyzed the content of the milk. Additionally, they routinely took samples of blood, feces, and urine to track the physiological reactions of the cows to the enzymes.
According to their findings, cows given the enzymes tended to consume more than the control group did, and the milk from these cows contained higher levels of protein, lactose, and other desired components. Overall, milk quantity and quality appeared to be significantly improved by enzyme use.
Dual enzyme supplementation, according to Martins, has been shown in laboratory tests to improve ruminal fermentation and feed digestion. “We observed with the cows that enzyme supplementation increased milk production and also resulted in greater solid concentrations in milk,” he stated.
“We are attempting to assist rumen microorganisms in their work. These enzymes that break down fibre are produced by bacteria, but we’re attempting to add extra enzymes to boost rumen fermentation. The relationship between the cow and the bacteria is really critical, according to co-author Alex Hristov.
Amino acids, energy, and nutrients
Hristov noted that the cow gives the microorganisms the space and resources they need to survive and flourish, and the microbes then give the cow the energy and amino acids it needs. Therefore, increasing rumen fermentation using supplements is a strategy to increase an animal’s output.
We are unable to digest fibre, much like the cow. They couldn’t either without the rumen microorganisms. We consume veggies, cereals, and other foods, yet we can hardly digest any fibre. And the microorganisms in our gut are responsible for whatever fibre that we are able to digest. Few animals can digest fibre the way that cows and other ruminants do, but they do so and turn it into high-quality protein that humans can eat.
