Verzicht auf Anfütterung mit Kraftfutter vor der Abkalbung –Einfluss der Kraftfutterversorgung nach der Abkalbung auf den Vormagen pH-Wert von frischlaktierenden Milchkühen

Summary

The effects of two concentrate levels on reticuloruminal pH values of lactating cows were determined. An indwelling wireless data transmitting system for continuous pH measurement was given to 9 heifers and 11 cows orally 2 weeks before expected calving. All animals were fed with hay and grass silage, no concentrate was fed before parturition. After parturition cattle were assigned to one of two concentrate supplementation levels (Kon, Low). In group Kon the concentrate intake per cow increased from 2.5 kg DM in week 1 (17 % concentrate of DMI) to 7.2 kg in week 5 (38 % concentrate) and in group Low from 1.4 kg in week 1 (10 % concentrate of DMI) to 3.8 kg DM in week 5 (24 % concentrate). Before parturition no significant effects of week on daily mean pH was found but pH values varied between the animals. After parturition there were found no diet effects on daily mean pH and max. pH values (6.35 and 6.67, resp.). The min. pH differed significantly between Kon and Low but the absolute levels were almost equal (6.02 and 6.04, resp.). Although no transition feeding program before calving was performed the reticuloruminal pH values were not or only marginally affected by concentrate level at onset of lactation.