Comparative Feeding Value of Lactic Acid and Grain for Dairy Cattle

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Abstract
Nutritive value of lactic acid was studied in a digestion trial, a growth and appetite trial with 2 groups of 10 heifers, and with rumen fermentation trials. Rumen contents fermented 880 microg. lactate/ml/4 hr. primarily due to the larger bacteria and protozoa. Lactic acid appeared to be entirely absorbed without affecting digestibility of other feeds. Group I heifers consumed 2 lb., 1 lb., 0.5 lb., and 0.25 lb. corn while group II heifers consumed 0.8 lb., 0.6 lb., 0.4 lb., and 0.2 lb. of 85% lactic acid respectively in 4 successive 14 day periods. Corn silage and hay were fed to appetite to both groups. Lactic acid was mixed with the silage. Lactic acid depressed dry matter intake (hay and silage) by 5.4 lb., 4.3 lb., 2.6 lb., 1.4 ib. in the 4 successive periods. Feed efficiency was increased in proportion to lactic acid intake. Lactate salts also increased efficiency but did not affect appetite.

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