China Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine ›› 2025, Vol. 52 ›› Issue (2): 593-604.doi: 10.16431/j.cnki.1671-7236.2025.02.010

• Nutrition and Feed • Previous Articles    

Effects of Nicotinamide on Rumen Fermentation Parameters,Microbial Protein Yield and Microflora in Lactating Dairy Cows

LIU Tuo1, CHENG Zhiqiang1, CHENG Zhe1, ZANG Changjiang1, NAN Bingyu1, LI Tao1, LI Xiaobin1, LI Yunmeng1, QIU Yaqi1, YAN Fayu1, WU Hairong2, YUAN Dong3, WANG Yongli4, LIU Wentao5   

  1. 1. Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Herbivore Nutrition for Meat & Milk Production, College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China;
    2. Xinjiang Altay Animal Husbandry Service, Altay 836000, China;
    3. Xinjiang Evergreen Feed Co., Ltd., Changji 831100, China;
    4. Xinjiang Jiahe Ruixin Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Technology Co., Ltd., Changji 831100, China;
    5. Xinjiang Urumqi Rural Revitalization Guidance Service Center, Urumqi 830000, China
  • Received:2024-05-08 Published:2025-01-24

Abstract: 【Objective】 Nitrogen utilisation by ruminant organisms is an important factor affecting the efficiency of farming,while their metabolites can cause some pollution to the environment.This study was aimed to investigate the effects of supplementation nicotinamide (NAM) on rumen fermentation parameters,microbial protein production and microbial community in lactating dairy cows,and explore the modulation of rumen fermentation and microflora in dairy cows by supplementation nicotinamide to improve the efficiency of nitrogen utilisation in the organism. 【Method】 Forty healthy mid-lactation Holstein dairy cows with similar age at lactation (170 d±50 d),litter size (2.23±0.62) and milk yield (36.17 kg±7.40 kg) were selected and randomly divided into four groups of 10 dairy cows each,dairy cows in control group were fed a total mixed ration (TMR) with 50 mL of tap water,and dairy cows in NAM groups (NAM7,NAM11 and NAM15) were given 7,11 and 15 g/d of nicotinamide on top of TMR, respectively.The trial period was 75 d,of which the pre-trial period was 15 d,and the trial period was 60 d.Rumen fluid samples were collected before morning feeding on the 30th and 60th days of the trial period and urine samples on days 0-2,28-30 and 58-60 of the trial period for the determination of pH,volatile fatty acids such as acetic and propionic acids,rumen microbial protein production and rumen microflora,respectively. 【Result】 ① Compared with control group,the rumen pH of dairy cows in NAM7 group was significantly increased (P<0.05),and the acetic acid/propionic acid value of dairy cows in NAM groups were extremely significantly decreased (P<0.01).The acetic acid/propionic acid value of dairy cows in NAM7 group was significantly or extremely significantly lower than that in NAM11 and NAM15 groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01).The interaction effect between trial treatment and trial period was not significant (P>0.05).② The urinary allantoin,PD derivative concentration and rumen microbial protein content of dairy cows in NAM7 group were significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05),and the uric acid concentration was significantly higher than that in control,NAM11 and NAM15 groups (P<0.05).The interaction effect between trial treatment and trial period was not significant (P>0.05).③ The rumen Chao1 index and the number of species observed of dairy cows in NAM groups were significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05),and the relative abundance of Spirochaetes in NAM7 and NAM11 groups was significantly lower than that in control group (P<0.05).The relative abundance of Succiniclasticum in NAM7 and NAM15 groups was significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05).The relative abundance of Shuttleworthia in NAM7 and NAM15 groups was significantly lower than that in control group (P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 Under the conditions of this trial,nicotinamide could increase rumen pH,microbial protein production of dairy cows,and the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes,Proteobacteria and Ruminococcus, and decrease the acetic acid concentration,acetic acid/propionic acid value,and the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Prevotella.The recommended nicotinamide supplementation rate was 7 g/d.

Key words: niacinamide; lactating dairy cows; rumen fermentation parameters; microbial protein; microflora

CLC Number: