Influence of Adding Malic Acid to Dairy Cattle Rations on Milk Production, Rumen Volatile Acids, Digestibility, and Nitrogen Utilization

Abstract

Thirty-two lactating Holstein cows (16 in early and 16 in midlactation) were fed for 100 days either 0, 70, 105, or 140 g of malic acid per day. Rations were corn and corn silage, and 25% of the total nitrogen was urea. Milk persistency was greater for the group fed 140 g malic acid per day. Malic acid increased total volatile fatty acids during early lactation. Intake of dry matter, milk composition, glucose and urea in plasma, and rumen ammonia and pH did not differ among treatments.