Researchers tested whether a special supplement made from a type of fungus called Aspergillus niger could help dairy cows digest their food more efficiently. They gave four cows different amounts of this supplement (or none at all) and measured how well their stomachs broke down different types of feed. Surprisingly, the supplement didn’t make any difference in how much nutrition the cows got from their food or how their stomachs worked. While earlier lab tests suggested this supplement might help, this real-world test with actual cows showed it didn’t provide any benefits.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a fungus-based supplement could help dairy cows digest their food better and produce more of the healthy compounds their bodies need from digestion
  • Who participated: Four young female Jersey dairy cows (heifers) that had special tubes inserted in their stomachs so researchers could collect samples. The cows were not currently producing milk.
  • Key finding: The supplement made no measurable difference in how well the cows digested their food, how their stomach acid levels changed, or the healthy compounds produced during digestion, regardless of how much supplement was given
  • What it means for you: If you’re involved in dairy farming, this supplement probably won’t help improve your cows’ feed efficiency. However, this was a small study with only four cows, so more research might still be worth exploring.

The Research Details

This study used a special research design called a Latin square, which is like rotating through different treatments so each cow gets every dose of the supplement at different times. This helps researchers compare results fairly. Four cows received four different amounts of the fungus supplement (none, 5 grams, 10 grams, or 15 grams per day) over different time periods. The researchers collected stomach fluid samples seven times over two days for each treatment to measure how digestion was working. They also tested how well the cows digested different types of feed, including barley, grass silage (fermented grass), and a complete mixed diet designed for dairy cows.

This research design is valuable because it tests the supplement in real cows with real stomachs, not just in lab tubes. The earlier lab tests showed promise, so testing in actual animals was the logical next step. However, the small number of cows limits how confident we can be about the results.

The study was carefully controlled and used proper scientific methods. However, only four cows were tested, which is a very small number. The cows were also not actively producing milk, so results might be different in working dairy cows. The researchers were transparent about their methods, which is good for scientific credibility.

What the Results Show

The fungus supplement had no effect on how quickly or completely the cows’ stomachs broke down the different feeds tested. Whether the cows received no supplement or up to 15 grams per day, the amount of food broken down was essentially the same. The healthy compounds produced during digestion (called volatile fatty acids) didn’t change with the supplement either. The acidity level in the cows’ stomachs remained stable across all supplement doses. The overall amount of nutrition the cows absorbed from their complete diet also showed no improvement with the supplement.

The researchers measured digestion at multiple time points throughout the day and found no patterns suggesting the supplement worked at any particular time. They tested the supplement’s effects on three different feed types (barley, grass silage, and mixed diet), and none showed any improvement. This consistency across different feeds and time points strengthens the conclusion that the supplement simply didn’t work under these conditions.

Earlier laboratory tests using cow stomach fluid in test tubes suggested this supplement might improve how well feeds break down. This new study in actual cows contradicts those lab results. This is actually common in nutrition research—things that work in test tubes don’t always work in real animals because the stomach environment is much more complex.

The biggest limitation is the very small number of cows tested (only four). With such a small group, it’s harder to be confident about the results. The cows tested were young and not producing milk, so the results might be different in older cows or cows actively making milk. The study only lasted a short time, so we don’t know if longer-term use might show different effects. Additionally, the supplement was tested at relatively low doses.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, farmers should not expect this particular fungus supplement to improve feed digestion in dairy cows. The evidence suggests it’s not an effective strategy for enhancing feed efficiency. However, this conclusion is based on a small study, so individual farmers might want to wait for larger studies before making final decisions.

Dairy farmers considering this supplement should know it likely won’t help based on this evidence. Feed companies and agricultural researchers should note that lab results don’t always translate to real-world benefits. However, this finding doesn’t mean all fungus-based supplements are ineffective—just this specific product under these specific conditions.

Since the supplement showed no effects even at the highest dose tested, there’s no realistic timeline for seeing benefits. The lack of improvement was immediate and consistent throughout the study period.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If a farmer wanted to test a feed supplement independently, they could track daily milk production, milk quality, and feed intake amounts to see if any supplement actually improves efficiency on their specific farm.
  • Rather than adding this supplement, farmers could focus on other proven methods to improve feed efficiency, such as optimizing feed quality, improving feeding schedules, or consulting with a nutritionist about diet formulation.
  • For any new supplement trial, track feed costs versus milk production over at least 4-6 weeks to get reliable data. Compare results to a baseline period without the supplement to see if there’s any real improvement.

This research shows that one specific fungus-based supplement did not improve feed digestion in a small group of dairy cows under controlled conditions. These results should not be interpreted as proof that all similar supplements are ineffective, as different products and conditions may produce different results. Farmers considering any dietary supplement should consult with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist before making changes to their herd’s diet. This study was conducted in a research setting and may not reflect real-world farm conditions. Always follow product label instructions and consult with agricultural professionals before implementing new feeding strategies.