Search
3 articles for “forage-based diet”
-
Zero-Concentrate Feeding in Dairy Cows: A Sustainable Approach to Milk Quality, Animal Health, and Welfare
Abstract: The study explores the benefits of eliminating concentrate feeds in dairy cow nutrition. As sustainability becomes a central concern in agriculture, zero-concentrate feeding offers a promising solution to reduce the environmental footprint of dairy farming while promoting optimal animal health and welfare. This approach primarily focuses on maximizing the use of high-quality forages, such as grasses and legumes, to meet the nutritional needs of dairy cows. By minimizing the use …
Published in Research and Reviews : Journal of Dairy Science and Technology · Vol. 15, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 30–47 Read article
-
Rumen Microbial Adaptation to Dietary Shifts: Mechanisms, Challenges, and Implications for Sustainable Ruminant Production
Abstract: Rumen microbiota play a central role in the digestion and fermentation of dietary components, directly influencing the health and productivity of ruminants. Dietary shifts, such as transitioning from forage-based diets to concentrate-rich diets or incorporating feed additives, induce significant changes in the composition, structure, and functional dynamics of the rumen microbial community. These adaptations, while essential for maintaining microbial homeostasis, can also lead to transient imbalances, including risks of acidosis, …
Published in Research & Reviews : Journal of Ecology · Vol. 15, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 17–26 Read article
-
Forage Bioactive Compounds and Rumen Microbiota: Exploring Colonization, Density, and Diversity Dynamics in Dairy Cows
Abstract: The rumen microbiota plays a pivotal role in the health, productivity, and sustainability of dairy cows, with forage serving as a fundamental dietary component influencing microbial dynamics. This review explores the intricate interactions between forage bioactive compounds – such as tannins, saponins, alkaloids, and flavonoids – and the rumen microbiota, focusing on their effects on colonization, microbial density, and diversity. Forage bioactives modulate microbial adhesion, biofilm formation, and growth patterns, …
Published in Research and Reviews: A Journal of Microbiology and Virology · Vol. 15, Issue 3, 2025 · pp. 15–26 Read article