Effects of Malate and Cassava Hay in High-Quality Feed Block on Ruminal Fermentation Efficiency and Digestibility of Nutrients in Dairy Heifer

Four, one-year old of dairy heifers were randomly assigned according to a 2x2 Factorial arrangement in a 4x4 Latin square design to study supplementation of malate level at 500 and 1,000 g and cassava hay in high-quality feed block. The treatments were as follows: T1 = supplementation of high-quality feed block without cassava hay + malate at 500 g, T2 = supplementation of high-quality feed block without cassava hay + malate at 1,000 g, T3 = supplementation of high-quality feed block with cassava hay + malate at 500 g, T4 = supplementation of high-quality feed block with cassava hay + malate at 1,000 g, respectively. The cows were offered the concentrate at 1.3% BW and urea-treated rice straw was fed ad libitum. The results have revealed that feed-intake, rumen fermentation and blood metabolites were similar for all treatments. Apparent digestibility of nutrients were significant (p<0.05) for all diets. The populations of protozoa and fungal zoospores were significantly different as affected by malate level and cassava hay supplementation. The combined use of cassava hay and malate at 1,000 g in high-quality feed block with concentrates containing high levels of cassava chip at 65% DM could highest improved rumen ecology and digestibility of nutrients in dairy heifers.