TITLE:
Effects of a rumen protected B vitamin blend substituted for biotin upon milk production and component yield in lactating dairy cows
AUTHORS:
Essi Evans, David T. Mair
KEYWORDS:
B Vitamin Blend; Biotin; Milk Components
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Animal Sciences,
Vol.3 No.2,
April
18,
2013
ABSTRACT:
Results
from 4 switchback field trials involving 608 cows were combined to assess the
effects of a protected B vitamin blend (BVB) vs 10 mg of unprotected biotin
upon milk yield (kg), fat %, protein %, fat yield (kg) and protein yield (kg)
in primiparous and multiparous cows. Trials consisted of 3 DHIA periods
executed in the order control-test-control. Cows from 45 to 300 days in milk
(DIM) at the start of the experiment that were available for all 3 periods were
included in the analysis. No diet changes other than the substitution of 3 grams/cow/day
of the BVB for 10 mg of biotin during the test period occurred. Results from
the two control periods were compared to results obtained during the test
period by individual cow using a paired T test. Results for all cows showed
that the provision of the BVB resulted in increased (P