N partitioning (reduction)

Experiments indicate that at equal N intake, Ecotain diets reduce the total N in urine compared to a ryegrass diet.

Less N in urine

• Indoor feeding experiments found that less total N was excreted in urine from dairy heifers and mature dairy cows offered Ecotain compared to those on ryegrass diets, despite a similar N intake.

Change in rumen function

• In incubation experiments mimicking rumen fermentation, Ecotain, with natural concentrations of secondary plant compounds, produced 40% less ammonia (NH3) than chicory over 24 hours.
• It was likely this was a combination of an increased energy source for microbial protein production, and an anti-microbial effect on certain types of rumen bacteria. Reducing the concentration of NH3 in the rumen is desirable because it reduces N loss to the environment through urine.

References

The effects of feeding cut plantain and perennial ryegrass-white clover pasture on dairy heifer feed and water intake, apparent nutrient digestibility and nitrogen excretion in urine
Cheng, L., Judson, H.G., Bryant, R.H., Mowat, H., Guinot, L., Hague, H., Taylor, S., & Edwards, G.R. (2017)

Nitrogen pollution by dairy cows and its mitigation by dietary manipulation
Kebreab, E., France, J., Beever, D.E., & Castillo, A.R. (2001)

Bioactive compounds, aucubin and acteoside, in plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) and their effect on in vitro rumen fermentation
Navarrete, S., Kemp, P.D., Pain, S.J., & Back, P.J. (2016)

 Utilisation of N in perennial ryegrass cultivars by stall-fed lactating dairy cows
Tas, B.M., Taweel, H.Z., Smit, H.J., Elgersma, A., Dijkstra, J., & Tamminga, S. (2006)

Nitrogen partitioning and milk production of dairy cows grazing simple and diverse pastures
Totty, V.K., Greenwood, S.L., Bryant, R.H., & Edwards, G.R. (2013)