Effects of Feeding Poloxalene on Milk Flavor

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Abstract
Cows in mid-lactation were pastured on bromegrass or rye or fed freshly cut alfalfa. Two sets of fistulated identical-twin dry cows were maintained on the same feed and feeding schedule. Half of the cows involved in each feeding trial were administered poloxalene twice daily at 0.044 g/kg of body weight. Milk samples were collected during evening milkings. Pooled milk from cows fed silage, hay, and grain in the University dairy herd served as a control to milk from cows fed bromegrass and rye pasture. Milk from 2 cows maintained on hay and grain served as a control to milk from alfalfa-fed cows. Flavor scores of milk samples from poloxalene-treated, untreated, and control cows were compared. Poloxalene had no important effecton milk flavor. Poloxalene reduced surface tension and pH of rumen fluid of fistulated cows. A single dose of poloxalene effectively maintained reduced rumen surface tension 24 to 36 hr.