Ecotain - Reduce

N partitioning (Reduction)

Experiments suggest that at equal N intake, Ecotain^™ diets may reduce the total N in urine compared to ryegrass diets, although the size of this effect could be small.

Less N in urine

Indoor feeding experiments found that less total N was excreted in urine from dairy heifers offered Ecotain compared to those on ryegrass diets, despite a similar N intake.

Change in rumen function

In incubation experiments mimicking rumen fermentation, Ecotain, with natural concentrations of secondary plant compounds, produced 40% less ammonia (NH₃) than chicory over 24 hours.
It was likely this was a combination of an increased energy source for microbial protein production, and an anti-microbial effect on certain types of rumen bacteria. Reducing the concentration of NH₃ in the rumen is desirable because it reduces N loss to the environment through urine.

Next: Part 3. Delay

References

The effects of feeding cut plantain and perennial ryegrass-white clover pasture on dairy heifer feed and water intake, apparent nutrient digestibility and nitrogen excretion in urine
Cheng, L., Judson, H.G., Bryant, R.H., Mowat, H., Guinot, L., Hague, H., Taylor, S., & Edwards, G.R. (2017)

Nitrogen pollution by dairy cows and its mitigation by dietary manipulation
Kebreab, E., France, J., Beever, D.E., & Castillo, A.R. (2001)

Bioactive compounds, aucubin and acteoside, in plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) and their effect on in vitro rumen fermentation
Navarrete, S., Kemp, P.D., Pain, S.J., & Back, P.J. (2016)

Utilisation of N in perennial ryegrass cultivars by stall-fed lactating dairy cows
Tas, B.M., Taweel, H.Z., Smit, H.J., Elgersma, A., Dijkstra, J., & Tamminga, S. (2006)

Ecotain - Reduce

N partitioning (Reduction)

Less N in urine

Change in rumen function

NSentinel 4 & Ecotain