Commercial Additives Available for Dairy Cattle

Direct-fed microbials

Live bacteria fed to alter intestinal microbiome

Varies with product

Enzymes

Active microbial enzymes to facilitate dietary fiber digestion

Varies with product

Methane inhibitors

Compounds provided in the diet that interfere with microbial production of methane in the rumen

Varies with product

High Probability of Positive Economic Return in General Feeding Situations

Monensin sodium

Increased feed efficiency, improved energy metabolism

11–22 mg/ton complete feed

185–660 mg/d (lactating cows)

115–410 mg/d (dry cows)

Sodium bicarbonate and other buffers

Improved feed consumption, stabilization of rumen pH, increased butterfat production

0.75% of dry matter

Yeast culture

Improved feed consumption, improved fiber digestion

Variable; consult manufacturer directions

High Probability of Positive Economic Return in Specific Problem Situations

Strong anion additives for prepartum diets

Improved calcium homeostasis, milk fever prevention, control of subclinical hypocalcemia

Variable; calculate DCAD; monitor urine pH and dry-matter intake, late gestation only; do not use in springing heifers

Rumen protected choline

Improved lipid metabolism, fatty liver and ketosis prevention, improved metabolic status

60 g/d (> 12.9 g choline ion) in late gestation and early lactation

Propylene glycol

Improved energy metabolism, ketosis prevention

300–500 mL/d, late gestation and early lactation only; more nutritionally effective when drenched rather than fed

Niacin

Improved lipid metabolism, improved rumen fermentation, increased feed efficiency and milk component concentrations

6–12 g/d; include protected and unprotected sources

Biotin

Improved hoof health, keratin structure, decreased hoof disorders

20 mg/d throughout lactation; 10–20 mg/d gestation; 10–20 mg/d for heifers > 15 mo