Study of the Low-Fat Milk Phenomonon in Cows Grazing Pearl Millet Pastures

Abstract

Two trials were conducted in an effort to elucidate the factor(s) responsible for the depression in fat test when cows are allowed to graze pearl millet pasture. Comparisons between Sudan grass and pearl millet with respect to chemical composition of the plant materials as well as animal performance were made. The results revealed were made. The results revealed no significant difference in the cellwall constituents and lipid composition of the two plant materials; however, the oxalic acid content of the pearl millet plant material was significantly higher than that of Sudan grass. Cows grazing the pearl millet pasture produced milk significantly lower in fat content, and the fat contained a higher degree of unsaturation than when the cows grazed Sudan grass. The molar percentage of rumen butyrate was significantly decreased when the cows grazed pearl millet. No significant change occurred in the molar proportions of rumen acetate and propionate as a result of grazing pearl millet pasturage. © 1969, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.