Comparation of moist heating and formaldehyde protein protection methods and their impact on dairy ration fermentability and digestibility

Abstract

Improving protein efficiency has become the main target in dairy farming. The feeding strategy for high-producing cows is directed by optimizing non-protein nitrogen utilization while maintaining post-ruminal digested bypass protein. Soybean and soybean meal are protein sources with high biological value but are highly degradable, so they must be protected. This study aimed to compare the effect of moist heating and formaldehyde treatments as a method for protecting protein to increase rumen bypass protein. Parameters observed include fermentation profile (rumen pH, NH3, total VFA, protozoa, and total bacteria population) and nutrient digestibility. Treatments tested were an unprotected diet as control (C1), moist heating protected protein (C2), and formaldehyde protected protein (C3). Data were subjected to ANOVA using Randomized Block Design followed by orthogonal contrasts. The results showed that both moist heating and formaldehyde treatments (C2 and C3) reduced NH3 and total VFA concentration (p<0.05) without affecting rumen pH, protozoa, and total bacteria count (p>0.05). Dry matter and organic matter did not affect by the treatments. In conclusion, both moist heating and formaldehyde methods could be used to protect feed protein and improve bypass protein in the dairy ration.