The effect of ammonium acetate on the yield and composition of milk from heifers

Abstract

1. Two experiments are described in which the effects of ammonium acetate on the yield and composition of the milk from heifers given (1) a fat-depressing diet consisting mainly of cereals or (2) a normal diet of silage and sugar beet pulp for maintenance and rationed concentrates according to yield.2. In the first experiment acetate increased the content of butterfat in the milk from 2·76 to 3·12. This difference was almost significant (P < 0·1). There was no significant effect of acetate on the total solids content of the milk.3. In the second experiment acetate very slightly depressed the total solids and the butterfat content of the milk.4. In Experiment 1 there was no significant difference between treatments i n the pH of rumen liquor, or in its concentration of total steam volatile fatty acids, but the proportions of acetic and isobutyric acids were higher on the acetate treatment.5. In Experiment 2 there were no differences in the relative proportions of the fatty acids although the total steam volatile fatty acid concentration was higher on the acetate treatment.