Effect of a supply of raw or rapeseeds on digestion in dairy cows

The influence of dietary supplementation with raw or heated rapeseeds on the digestion, ruminal characteristics and duodenal nitrogen flow in lactating dairy cows was determined. Rapeseeds decreased organic matter digestibility and increased propionate proportion in ruminal volatile fatty acids. Heat treatment of rapeseeds did not affect dry matter and organic matter digestibility but increased that of nitrogen. No dietary effects were observed in the duodenal flow of nutrients. Results indicate that inclusion of rapeseeds in hay-based diets will not adversely affect fiber digestion in dairy cattle.