Effect of replacing alfalfa hay with dried Moringa oleifera leaves on rumen fermentation, rumen microbial protein synthesis and methane production in lactating dairy cows

Abstract

Alteration of the microbial ecosystem and ruminal function can be used to improve feed utilization and production performance of ruminant animals. This study aimed to assess the effect of supplementing Moringa leaves in dairy cows fed basal Rhodes grass hay on rumen fermentation, microbial protein production, and ruminal methane gas production. Nine lactating Holstein-Friesian cows (444±39.7 kg) were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments supplemented with 0, 5 and 10% of Moringa leaves in place of 10, 5 and 0% of Lucerne hay on a DM basis in a randomised complete block design for 8 weeks. There was no significant difference in the pH, VFAs, estimated methane, microbial protein, and microbial mass, even though there was a variation in the Moringa-supplemented treatment and the control. Compared with the control, Moringa leaves decreased (P=0.0017) the rumen protozoa and increased (P=0.0092) rumen Ammonia-N concentration. It is concluded that Moringa leaves enhanced rumen fermentation kinetics in lactating Holstein-Friesian cows and can be used as a protein supplement for dairy cows and a substitute for Lucerne hay.