Cow productivity and microbiological parameters of rumen fluid when feeding sorghum-sudangrass hybrid of haylage

The article presents research results on the introduction of sorghum-sudangrass hybrid haylage into the diet of dairy cows at Timiryazev LLC. The aim of study was to evaluate the effectiveness of sorghum-sudangrass hybrid haylage in feeding lactating cows based on milk productivity and rumen microbiological parameters. It was established that finished sorghum-sudangrass hybrid haylage corresponds to class 1 in terms of organoleptic properties (crumbly consistency, olive color, fruity aroma), the ratio of lactic and acetic acids (70:30) and the absence of butyric acid, indicating normal microbiological preservation processes. In terms of energy value (9.51 MJ EE) and crude protein concentration (12.83%) in dry matter, it is characterized as a high-quality nutritious feed. When replacing part of the corn silage in the cows’ diets with sorghum-sudangrass hybrid haylage (experimental group), an increase in average daily milk yield of actual fat content was noted - by 2.74 kg (10.5%), and baseline - by 4.06 kg (13.7%), while in the control group the increase was less (1.66 kg or 4.6%). The difference in favor of the experimental group reached 2.48 kg. Improvements in milk quality were also noted, with increased fat and protein content. Rumen fluid analysis revealed increases in acetic acid (by 10.15%) and propionic acid (by 3.94%), indicating improved energy status and additional reserves for milk fat synthesis. Propionate is the primary source for glucose synthesis in the liver through gluconeogenesis, which directly impacts animal productivity and milk lactose levels. A decrease in butyric acid indicates optimized microbiological processes in the rumen. No adverse effects on rumen digestion were observed.