The effect of Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) supplementation on nutrient digestibility in dairy cows: an in sacco and in vitro study.

Abstract

Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis), known for its potential human health benefit, was fed (250 gr/cow/day) to 3 rumen fistulated Holstein Friesian cows to investigate the influence of Yerba Mate (YM) on rumen fermentation. An in sacco and an in vitro study were done before and after feeding the cows for 14 days. During both studies dry matter disappearance (DMD) %, neutral detergent fibre (NDF) %, acid detergent fibre (ADF) %, crude protein disappearance (CPD) %, gas production and ammonia production were measured for pasture and concentrates after 0, 2, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours of incubation. The mean findings were a decrease in DMD % of in sacco pasture and concentrates and in vitro pasture, although these results were not statistically significant different (P>0.05) there is a clear biological relevant difference between the results before and after feeding the YM. Also a statistically significant (P<0.05) and biological relevant difference in gas production and ammonia production was found after feeding the YM. Further research is required to investigate the influence of Yerba Mate on rumen fermentation.