Performance and metabolism of dairy cows fed bean seeds (Vicia faba) with different levels of anti-nutritional substances.

摘要

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of selected bean cultivars with different levels of antinutritional substances on performance and metabolism of dairy cows. In the current 12-week-long study, 32 dairy cows at 3 to 6 weeks after parturition were divided into four groups. Diets were balanced to have an analogical content of crude protein and energy. Experimental groups (MI, ME, MET) were mixed with the milking concentrate which consisted of 20% bean seeds (MI - MISTRAL cultivar with a low content of anti-nutritional substances; ME - MERKUR cultivar with high content of anti-nutritional substances; MET - MERKUR cultivar with technologically reduced the amount of anti-nutritional substances). Clinical evaluation of dairy cows' health and feed intake showed no negative effect of the bean supplementations. Energy, nitrogen and mineral metabolisms were not impaired either. No significant differences were found between groups in milk performance (daily milk yield, protein and lactose production) during the study. It is suggested that the bean can be used at 20% level with the milking concentrate of dairy cattle diet. Health risks associated with antinutritional content of the native bean are not significant for high-producing dairy cattle.