Effects of dietary extrusion on rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibility, performance and milk composition of dairy cattle: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of extruded and unextruded feeding on the performance, milk composition, digestibility and ruminal fermentation of dairy cows through a meta-analysis. METHODS: The database was compiled from 53 studies in Scopus and PubMed. The data were analyzed using a random effects model in OpenMEE software. Extruded feed was grouped as the experiment group while and the others as control group. The bias of publication in the main parameter of dairy performance was evaluated by a funnel plot. RESULTS: The result showed that extruded feed enhanced the milk yield, dry matter and crude protein digestibility, butyrate and valerate acid production (p<0.05). Meanwhile, the extruded feed significantly decreased the milk fat and protein concentration (p<0.05). Also, the iso-butyrate and iso-valerate in unextruded feeding was significantly higher than the extruded feed (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: It was concluded from the meta-analysis that extruded feed effectively improved the milk production and milk lactose concentration, dry matter and protein digestibility, but not the milk fat and protein concentration.