What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to assess how enriching legume-based green concentrate with Eucheuma cottonii impacts feed quality and lactation performance in dairy cows.

May 26, 2026Veterinary World0 citationsOpen Access

Eucheuma cottonii–enriched legume-based green concentrate improves rumen protein utilization, methane mitigation, and lactation performance in Holstein Friesian dairy cows

RURenny Fatmyah UtamyHasanuddin University AAAmbo AkoHasanuddin University ZRZyahrul RamadanHasanuddin University

Key Points

The aim is to assess how enriching legume-based green concentrate with Eucheuma cottonii impacts feed quality and lactation performance in dairy cows.
Integrated in vitro and in vivo phases were utilized to evaluate the effects of E. cottonii enrichment.
Eighteen postpartum cows were randomized into three dietary groups over 60 days: commercial concentrate, GC, and GC plus 10% E. cottonii.
Various parameters measured included digestibility, rumen protein fractions, milk yield, and economic returns.
Enrichment with E. cottonii led to significant reductions in rumen-degradable protein (RDP) and increases in rumen-undegradable protein (RUP) (p < 0.01).
Improved digestibility indices were observed, with significant increases in in vitro dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein digestibility (p ≤ 0.002).
Cows fed the 10% enriched GC produced higher milk yields (p = 0.01) and demonstrated enhanced feed conversion efficiency (p = 0.02).

Abstract

Background and Aim: Legume-based green concentrate (GC) is a promising, low-cost feeding strategy for dairy systems; however, its high rumen-degradable protein (RDP) fraction limits nitrogen utilization efficiency. This study evaluated the effect of Eucheuma cottonii enrichment as a rumen-protected agent on feed quality, rumen protein utilization, methane mitigation, and lactation performance in Holstein Friesian dairy cows. Materials and Methods: The experiment comprised integrated in vitro and in vivo phases. In the in vitro phase, GC was enriched with E. cottonii at 0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10% and assessed for digestibility, rumen protein utilization (RDP and rumen-undegradable protein RUP), gas production, and fermentation characteristics. In the in vivo phase, eighteen postpartum cows were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments: commercial concentrate, GC, and GC enriched with 10% E. cottonii for 60 days. Parameters included milk yield, dry matter intake, feed conversion efficiency (FCE), milk quality, and economic returns. Results: E. cottonii enrichment significantly improved feed quality and rumen protein utilization. A marked reduction in RDP and a concurrent increase in RUP were observed (p < 0.01), indicating enhanced protein bypass. Digestibility indices, including in vitro dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, and gross energy digestibility, were significantly increased (p ≤ 0.002). Methane production and total gas output were reduced (p ≤ 0.01), reflecting improved rumen fermentation efficiency. In the in vivo trial, cows fed 10% enriched GC exhibited higher milk yield (p = 0.01), improved FCE (p = 0.02), and enhanced milk fat and protein contents (p < 0.01). Economic analysis demonstrated reduced feed costs and increased daily profit. The functional mechanism is attributed to kappa-carrageenan in E. cottonii, which forms a protective matrix limiting microbial proteolysis. Conclusion: Enrichment of GC with E. cottonii effectively optimizes rumen protein utilization, enhances digestibility, reduces methane emissions, and improves lactation performance and farm profitability. This strategy represents a sustainable, cost-effective innovation for improving dairy productivity and environmental efficiency. Keywords: dairy nutrition, Eucheuma cottonii, feed efficiency, green concentrate, methane mitigation, milk yield, rumen-protected protein, sustainability.

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