Effects of soybean hulls and lignosulfonate-treated soybean meal on ruminal fermentation in lactating dairy cows.

Four Holstein cows were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square design to investigate the effects of soybean hulls and lignosulfonate-treated soybean meal on ruminal fermentation and nutrient passage to the duodenum. Diets contained 32% corn silage, 19.8% alfalfa-grass hay, and 48.2% concentrate (DM basis). Treatments, arranged in a 2 x 2 factorial, were concentrate mixes based on 1) corn and soybean meal, 2) corn and treated soybean meal, 3) soybean hulls and soybean meal, and 4) soybean hulls and treated soybean meal. Individual protein supplements supplied 40% of dietary CP, and corn or soybean hulls constituted 28% of dietary DM. Intake of OM (mean 18.9 kg/d) was similar among treatments, but intake of NDF was 42% greater, and intake of nonstructural carbohydrate was 55% less, for cows fed soybean hulls. Passage of OM to the duodenum was similar among diets, but flow of NDF was 43% greater, and flow of nonstructural carbohydrate was 56% less, for cows fed soybean hulls. Ruminal pH was similar, but total concentrations of VFA increased 7% when soybean hulls replaced corn. Ruminal digestion of dietary CP was 15% less for cows fed treated soybean meal, but bacterial N flows were similar among treatments. Soybean hulls were digested to a similar extent as corn, but few interactions occurred between supplemental carbohydrate and protein sources.