Special Features of Lactating Cows Digestion affected by Epofen and Toxisorb

Background/Objectives: The purpose of this research was to study the efficiency of using Epofen antioxidant and Toxisorb toxin binder in the rations of lactating cows to improve metabolic processes in their bodies. Methods/Statistical analysis: A scientific and economic experiment was conducted in lactating cows of black-motley breed according to the following scheme: control group cows received BR (basic ration), Epofen was added to the first experimental group BR in an amount of 3 g per head, Toxisorb was a supplement to the second group BR in an amount of 1,500 g/t of fodder, the third group ration contained both studied supplements at the indicated doses. Findings: The research has established that in the feeding conditions of the North Caucasus to enhance the physiological and biochemical status of the lactating cows their diets should include together Epofen and Toxisorb in the specified amount. Joint supplementation provided increase in total and albuminous nitrogen by 4.9 and 48.3%, respectively, and reduction of non-albuminous and ammonia nitrogen by 18.7 and 15.4%, respectively, in animals of the third experimental group relative to the control one. The total count of VFA (volatile fatty acids) made9.14; 8.82 and 9.84 mmole/100 ml, respectively, in the rumen fluid of animals of the experimental groups versus 7.96  mmole/100 ml the in the control group. Studies on the digestibility of nutrients found that cows of the third experimental group had reliably higher coefficients of digestibility of dry and organic matter by 3.2 and 3.3%, respectively, of crude protein – by 3.6%, of fiber – by 4.5% and NFES (nitrogen-free extractive substances) – by 4.2%; their rates of nitrogen utilization for milk production from the received and digested amount were higher by 3.12 and 3.71%, respectively. Applications/Improvements: The research results have been implemented on the entire population of lactating cows in the region and adopted for the implementation by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania. They are also used in the educational process at the departments of technology management and veterinary medicine of Gorsky State University of Agriculture.