Abstract

This study explores how additional acetate, a product of fiber digestion in cows, influences milk production when feeding diets with different fermentability levels. We found that acetate boosts milk fat content, especially in highly fermentable diets, and maintained milk fat yield. However, acetate reduced feed intake, milk yield, and protein content, which was unexpected. These findings highlight the importance of acetate in milk fat synthesis, although the mechanisms decreasing feed intake are unclear.