Effect of Feed Additives on Digestibility and Milk Yield of Holstein Cows Fed Wet Brewer Grains

To evaluate different feed additives in cows fed wet brewers grain, 5 ruminal-cannulated Holstein cows (470 45 kg; 18 3 kg d(-1) milk), were allotted to a 5x5 Latin-square design. A total-mixed diet containing 33% wet brewers grains (WBG) was provided including: 1) no additives (Control), 2) 1% sodium bicarbonate, 3) 1% sodium bentonite, 4) 33 mg kg(-1) sodium monensin and 5) 200 mg kg(-1) fibrolityc enzymes. Cows fed bicarbonate or enzymes had significantly higher dry matter intake (DMI). However, apparent digestibility of different nutrients did not differ (P>0.05) among dietary treatments. Similarly except acetate.-propionate ratio (A:P) none of the ruminal parameters differed among groups. A:P followed the same pattern as DMI. Cows given monensin, enzymes and bicarbonate yielded more milk than control or those given bentonite. Except bentonite all additives increased milk yield.